Controller

Controller Engineering Resources, Inc. Fort Wayne, Indiana The Controller will lead the accounting function for a mid-sized consulting engineering firm of approximately 65 employees. This role is responsible for day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, project accounting, billing oversight, cash flow management, compliance, and financial analysis in a project-driven professional services environment. The Controller will serve as the firm’s financial anchor, combining hands‑on accounting leadership with strategic financial support for the firm’s principals. The role requires strong project-based accounting knowledge, and the confidence to improve systems, reporting, controls, and financial discipline across the firm. Key Responsibilities Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting Own the monthly and year-end close processes. Prepare and review financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, cash flow reports, and management reporting packages. Maintain the general ledger and ensure accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting. Develop and improve accounting policies and internal controls. Coordinate with external CPA firm and other financial partners. Project Accounting, Billing, and Revenue Recognition Oversee project accounting for time-and-materials, lump‑sum, cost‑plus, and milestone-based engineering contracts. Assist in monitoring the work‑in‑progress, percent complete, budget‑to‑actual performance, contract value, earned revenue, and billing status. Review project labor multipliers, effective billing rates, utilization, and write‑offs. Support accurate revenue recognition in accordance with engineering contracts. Ensure timely, accurate client billing and strengthen processes to reduce unbilled work, billing delays, and collection issues. Cash Flow, Budgeting, and Forecasting Manage cash flow forecasting, working capital, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and collections reporting. Prepare annual budgets and forecasts in collaboration with firm principals. Analyze financial trends and provide insight into profitability, backlog, staffing levels, utilization, and overhead. Develop reporting tools that help firm principals make timely financial and operational decisions. Compliance, Controls, and Systems Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax, payroll, reporting, and regulatory requirements. Assist in providing information to external CPA firm preparing FAR audit. 401k compliance responsibility and coordination with provider. Serve as the internal accounting systems leader for Unanet ERP system. Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce manual work, improve controls, and increase reporting accuracy. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a controller, assistant controller, accounting manager, senior project accountant, or similar leadership role. Experience managing daily accounting workflows. Strong understanding of GAAP, financial statement preparation, month‑end closing, reconciliations, internal controls, and financial reporting. Demonstrated experience with project‑based accounting, preferably in engineering, professional services, or another billable‑hours environment. Strong Excel and reporting skills, with the ability to translate financial data into clear business insight. Preferred Qualifications CPA designation preferred. Prior experience within an engineering firm or other professional services firm. Experience with Unanet ERP or other project‑based accounting systems. Experience with government contract accounting, state DOT work, FAR overhead rates, or allowable and unallowable cost classifications is a plus. Compensation and Benefits Competitive compensation package based on education and experience. Comprehensive benefits including 401k with company match, health care, dental, paid time off and holidays. #J-18808-Ljbffr Engineering Resources