Controller

We’re seeking a hands-on, strategic Controller to lead our finance and accounting function for a growing architecture firm generating approximately $10 million in annual revenue. This role partners directly with the Principals to drive financial planning, profitability, operational controls, and cash management. The Controller will own forecasting, budgeting, P&L performance, cash flow reporting, AIA billing, and a timely, accurate month-end close, while developing and mentoring an accounting team of three.
About the company:
“Management also goes to lengths to ensure that individuals are trained in the various aspects of our trade”
“Excellent place to work and the people are stellar individuals”
“Well organized company”Title: Controller
Location: White Plains, NY
Potential Compensation: $100,000 – $120,000Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership & Strategy
• Build and maintain rolling financial forecasts (revenues, margins, cash flow) and multi-year planning models.
• Lead annual budgeting process and quarterly reforecast; deliver variance analysis and corrective action plans.
• Prepare monthly P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements; present insights to Principals.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards tailored to a professional services environment (e.g., utilization, effective billing rate, net revenue per FTE, backlog, DSO, WIP).Accounting Operations & Controls
• Oversee month-end close (target: 5–7 business days) including reconciliations, accruals, WIP, revenue recognition, and job cost updates.
• Design and maintain an effective internal control environment; optimize chart of accounts, policies, and procedures.
• Manage cash: short-term cash forecasting, AR collections, AP timing, vendor relations, and banking.
• Coordinate year-end activities (audit/review/compilation), tax support with external CPA, and compliance filings.Project Accounting & AIA Billing
• Own the AIA billing process: G702/G703 preparation, progress billing, change orders, retainage, lien waivers, and compliance with contract terms.
• Partner with project managers to align budgets, fee burn, and WIP; ensure accurate revenue recognition for time & materials or fixed-fee contracts.
• Monitor project profitability, percent-complete, and schedule-of-values; resolve billing disputes and reduce DSO.Systems, Process Improvement & Team Leadership
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3 in accounting (AP, AR/Billing, Staff Accountant).
• Improve process automation, workflow, and reporting; evaluate and enhance ERP/accounting systems.
• Implement best practices for professional services firms (resource planning, utilization, backlog reporting).
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Operations, HR, Legal, and Project Management.Qualifications:
Must-Have
• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including controller or senior accounting leadership in a service-based environment.
• Direct experience with AIA billing (G702/G703), project accounting, retainage, and construction/GC or architecture/engineering firm workflows.
• Strong command of US GAAP, revenue recognition for professional services, and month-end close disciplines.
• Proficiency with accounting/ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Ajera/Vantagepoint, QuickBooks Enterprise, Sage Intacct) and Excel/Power BI.
• Demonstrated success managing small accounting teams and scaling processes for a ~$10M business.