Controller
Posted: 04/16/2026
Job Number: Job-7555
Job Description
Controller
Position Overview
Our client, a private equity-backed engineering consulting firm, is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead and transform the accounting function as the business scales. The company is undergoing a significant evolution—from cash-basis accounting to full GAAP compliance—in preparation for its first audit and continued growth from ~$20M to $40–50M in revenue over the next 3–5 years.
This role is critical in building a scalable financial infrastructure, implementing proper revenue recognition (percentage-of-completion), and establishing strong internal controls. The Controller will operate with a high degree of autonomy and serve as the functional owner of all accounting operations.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Transformation & Compliance
Required Qualifications
Preferred Experience
What Success Looks Like
Additional Context
Position Overview
Our client, a private equity-backed engineering consulting firm, is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead and transform the accounting function as the business scales. The company is undergoing a significant evolution—from cash-basis accounting to full GAAP compliance—in preparation for its first audit and continued growth from ~$20M to $40–50M in revenue over the next 3–5 years.
This role is critical in building a scalable financial infrastructure, implementing proper revenue recognition (percentage-of-completion), and establishing strong internal controls. The Controller will operate with a high degree of autonomy and serve as the functional owner of all accounting operations.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Transformation & Compliance
- Lead the transition from cash-basis to GAAP-compliant accounting, including revenue recognition for project-based work
- Prepare the organization for its first external audit (target: 2026)
- Establish and document internal controls, policies, and procedures
- Own the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Oversee general ledger, payroll, AP/AR, and financial reporting
- Implement and manage percentage-of-completion/project accounting
- Play a key role in ERP transition from Sage 50 to Deltek VantagePoint
- Build scalable processes to support a growing, project-based consulting business
- Drive improvements in financial visibility, reporting, and operational efficiency
- Act as the day-to-day accounting leader, operating independently with minimal oversight
- Partner with the CFO and executive team to support growth, margin improvement, and expansion initiatives
- Support private equity stakeholders with reporting and financial insights
Required Qualifications
- CPA required (or equivalent technical accounting expertise)
- 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles
- Strong experience with GAAP, revenue recognition, and audit readiness
- Proven ability to build processes, controls, and scalable accounting infrastructure
- Hands-on mindset—comfortable operating both strategically and tactically
- Experience managing month-end close and full accounting cycle independently
Preferred Experience
- Background in engineering, consulting, construction, or other project-based businesses
- Experience with percentage-of-completion accounting
- Exposure to PE-backed or high-growth middle-market companies
- ERP implementation or migration experience (Deltek VantagePoint a plus)
What Success Looks Like
- Clean, audit-ready financials within 6–12 months
- Successful transition to GAAP and project-based accounting
- ERP implementation completed with minimal disruption
- Scalable accounting infrastructure supporting rapid growth
- Strong financial discipline and visibility across the organization
Additional Context
- This is a high-impact, build-and-scale role—ideal for someone who enjoys creating structure in a fast-moving environment
- The Controller will have full ownership of accounting operations and must be comfortable operating independently
- The company is expanding into new markets (hospitality, healthcare, government), creating meaningful growth opportunity
