Corporate Controller

Corporate Controller | Full-Time, Permanent | Itasca, IL

Help Us Keep Designing Cool Spaces for Learners

At DLA Architects, great work starts with great people. We are a collaborative, future-thinking architecture firm committed to creating impactful spaces for learners and communities. We are committed to design excellence, outstanding client service, and responsible financial stewardship. DLA Architects is seeking a strategic, hands‑on Corporate Controller to help guide the financial strength of a collaborative, mission‑driven firm. This role is an opportunity to partner with leadership, improve financial visibility, and support the continued growth of a team dedicated to creating inspiring spaces for learners and communities.

About DLA Architects

We’re an established architecture firm serving educational and municipal clients throughout Illinois. We don’t just build schools; we create dynamic learning environments where people of all ages can grow.

We live by five core values, and they shape how we work every day:

• We Are Good Humans. We lead with respect, kindness, and curiosity, building trust with clients and each other.
• We Are Future‑Thinking. We stay ahead of trends, embrace new tools, and never stop learning.
• We Are Collaborative as a Team. The best ideas come from diverse perspectives working together in an open, connected studio.
• We Exceed Expectations. We take pride and ownership in our work, doing whatever it takes to deliver.
• We Have Fun Doing It. From Thirsty Thursdays to handcrafted holiday wines, we genuinely enjoy the journey together.

Position Summary

The Corporate Controller is responsible for leading the firm’s accounting and financial functions while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of all financial operations. In this role, you will serve as a strategic partner to our leadership team, turning financial data into actionable insights that support smart decision‑making and drive healthy, long‑term growth. This is a hybrid role based in Itasca, with an expectation of at least three days per week in the office to support collaboration and partnership across the firm.

The ideal candidate is a self‑motivated professional with strong technical accounting expertise, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership. If you are passionate about combining financial rigor with a warm, collaborative leadership style, you will thrive in our team.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct all accounting and financial operations with accuracy and integrity.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain the general ledger and oversee all financial reporting.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.
• Develop and monitor annual budgets and financial forecasts.
• Coordinate annual audits and tax preparation with external CPA firms.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital.
• Analyze financial performance and prepare clear reports for executive leadership.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators and financial dashboards.
• Support banking relationships, financing activities, and insurance programs.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.

Project Accounting

• Analyze labor utilization, effective multipliers, overhead rates, and revenue forecasts.
• Partner with project managers and department leaders to improve project financial results.
• Maintain and improve project accounting systems and reporting.

Leadership

• Lead and mentor the accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and department managers.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that strengthen financial operations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of accounting and financial management experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and cash management.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in architecture, engineering, construction, consulting, or another professional services firm.
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint or similar ERP/project accounting software.
• Experience with project accounting, labor reporting, and profitability analysis.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership.

Personal Attributes

You’ll thrive at DLA if you bring:

• Integrity first. Unquestioned professionalism and strong leadership. You uphold the highest standards of integrity and fiduciary responsibility across all financial operations and reporting.
• Attention to detail. You understand that every detail matters and bring strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to your work.
• A hands‑on approach. You’re willing to roll up your sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done.
• Sharp organizational skills. You manage your time well and keep things running smoothly.
• A collaborative spirit. You build positive, trust‑based relationships across every level of the firm.
• A future‑thinking mindset. You look for smarter, better ways to work.
• A good sense of humor. You know that great work and having fun go hand in hand.

DLA Architects offers a competitive compensation package including:

• Competitive salary: $100,000 – $120,000 based on experience and qualifications.
• Performance‑based bonus opportunities.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• PTO and holidays.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• A collaborative, values‑driven environment where people support one another, take pride in their work, and enjoy working together