Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Controller is a key member of the firm’s leadership team and is responsible for directing all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control. This role oversees day-to-day accounting, project financial performance processes, the month-end close cycle, and compliance activities. The Controller ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information used for strategic decision-making and supports leadership in driving strong financial performance and ESOP value growth.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor Degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred.

· 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience; 3–5+ years in an engineering, architecture, consulting, or professional services firm preferred.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead and manage the full-cycle accounting function, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, fixed assets, and project accounting.

• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes; prepare accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

• Produce dashboards and management reports (utilization, realization, margin analysis, overhead trends, cash flow forecasts).

• Prepare reporting packages for the President, Directors, and Project Managers.

Project Accounting & Operational Support

• Oversee project setup, revenue recognition, WIP, job cost reporting, and project closeout.

• Partner with Project Managers to interpret job cost data, profitability, backlog, and billing performance.

• Monitor KPIs such as DSO, utilization, effective multiplier, backlog, write-ups/downs.

• Ensure alignment with Deltek Vantagepoint.

Billing & Cash Flow

• Supervise client invoicing processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with contract terms.

• Oversee AR collections and maintain strong cash flow forecasting.

• Support leadership on pricing strategies and fee proposal assumptions.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure clean audits.

• Manage annual financial, benefit plan, and FAR audits, ESOP valuation requests, insurance renewals, and tax filings.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including FAR and DOT guidelines when applicable.

ESOP & Corporate Governance

• Support annual ESOP valuation process.

• Support participant distributions and cash flow planning.

• Maintain corporate records, banking relationships, and insurance documentation.

Budgeting & Strategic Planning

• Lead annual budgeting.

• Support strategic planning, scenario modeling, and capital investment analysis.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing accounting team.

• Provide training to project managers on financial literacy and best practices.

• Foster a culture of accuracy, process consistency, and continuous improvement.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of GAAP, project accounting, project-based revenue recognition, and WIP management.

• High proficiency with ERP systems and Excel.

• Knowledge of public-sector billing structures, indirect cost rates, and labor multipliers.

Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes:

· Must lead by example, be approachable, and mentor accounting team.

· Strong servant leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

· Hands-on and willingness to help wherever needed.

· Ability to translate financial data into actionable, understandable insights.

· High attention to detail and process discipline. Seeks continuous improvement.

· Strong judgment and discretion with confidential information.