Operational Financial Controller

ASTOUND is a global experiential powerhouse with three core verticals: Brand Experiences, Sports Experiences, and Immersive Entertainment. From trade shows and large-scale events to experience centers and IP-driven attractions, we create programs that combine creative excellence, operational discipline, and ROI-focused outcomes. With over 200 employees, a 350,000 sq. ft. production facility, and execution in more than 40 countries, ASTOUND is defining what the modern experiential partner looks like. Now, in our 25th year, we are expanding into a growth engine for our clients—powered by AI, integrated creative, and next-gen content strategy —and for the business itself, driving both revenue and enterprise value. JOB SUMMARY ASTOUND is hiring elite Operational Financial Controllers to help run the business at the project level with clarity, control, and speed. These individuals are not traditional accountants — they are embedded business operators who understand how to manage margin, time, spend, risk, and reporting in a creative, fast-moving environment. They will partner with Project Managers, Account Managers, and the Finance team to ensure real-time accuracy of job costing, cash flow forecasting, invoicing, and P&L performance per project. You are the financial pilot in the seat next to the delivery lead. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Project Setup & Governance Create project financial structures (WBS, cost codes, budgets) in the ERP; validate estimates and margin targets before kickoff. Establish change-order, PO, and approval workflows aligned to budget caps and client SOW. Job Costing & WIP Track labor, materials, freight, and 3rd-party services daily; reconcile timecards and receiving to POs. Prepare monthly WIP/percent-complete schedules, cost-to-complete forecasts, and margin walk explanations. Monitor deposits, progress, and milestone invoices; manage retention and close-out billing; resolve deductions promptly. Partner with AR to minimize DSO and escalation of collection risks early. Variance & Performance Lead weekly project financial reviews: budget vs. actuals, risk/opportunity register, and recovery plans. Analyze drivers of variance (scope creep, rush fees, rework) and recommend corrective actions. Controls & Compliance Enforce purchasing and spend policies; verify 3-bid or preferred-vendor compliance where required. Support revenue recognition (ASC 606), audit requests, and month-end close (journals, accruals, reconciliations). Cross-Functional Enablement Advise PMs on pricing add-ons, change orders, and schedule impacts; quantify trade-offs for client approvals. Contribute to continuous improvement of ERP, dashboards, and close processes. QUALIFICATIONS 5–8+ years in project accounting/controlling within job-based environments (exhibits, events, custom fabrication, construction, or manufacturing). Strong command of job costing, WIP, percent-complete , and cost-to-complete forecasting . ERP proficiency (e.g., NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Acumatica, MS Dynamics) and Excel modeling (lookups, pivots, index/match). Familiarity with procurement controls, 3rd-party vendor management, and freight/logistics cost capture. Clear communicator who can brief executives and coach PMs; high ownership and urgency under tight show timelines. THE VALUES YOU ALIGN WITH Steadfast Courage – We fearlessly take on challenges and make bold decisions to achieve remarkable results. Unwavering Integrity – We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and prioritize honesty, transparency, and professionalism. Boundless Creativity – We push boundaries with innovative, collaborative ideas that surpass expectations and create unforgettable experiences. Unparalleled Service – We fearlessly take on challenges and make bold decisions to achieve remarkable results. Insatiable Curiosity – We never stop learning, exploring, and taking risks to create breakthrough experiences. Constant Collaboration – We thrive on teamwork, leverage diverse perspectives, and support each other to deliver experiences greater than the sum of their parts. BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION The compensation package will be commensurate with experience. Our employees are entitled to a standard set of benefits, including health and dental insurance and 401(k) with company match. Excellent Medical Insurance Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay 401K matching program after 90 days of employment 100% Company Life and Long-Term Disability Coverage Employee Referral Program DIVERSITY COMMITMENT We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Our goal is to ensure that every candidate is evaluated solely on their qualifications, merits, and potential to contribute meaningfully to our team and mission. #J-18808-Ljbffr