Controller

Description At Summer Consultants, finance is not just about closing the books. It is about helping the firm run better. We are a project-based engineering consulting firm serving federal, institutional, and higher education clients. That means strong financial operations matter at every level of the business, from accurate project setup and billing to reliable reporting, clean data, and better decision-making. We are looking for a Controller who can do more than maintain accounting operations. We are looking for someone who can strengthen the finance engine behind the business. This role is responsible for leading the firm’s core accounting and financial operations, including the monthly close process, financial reporting, internal controls, and oversight of day-to-day accounting activities. Just as importantly, this person will lead improvements in how finance supports project operations by strengthening project accounting workflows, reporting discipline, and use of Deltek Vantagepoint. This is a strong opportunity for someone who enjoys both structure and improvement. The right candidate will bring sound accounting judgment, strong controllership fundamentals, and the ability to translate financial discipline into practical process improvements that support project managers, leadership, and long-term firm performance. This role also offers a meaningful growth path. The Controller will work closely with the firm’s current finance leader and will have the opportunity to grow into broader responsibility over time as part of a planned transition. If you are looking for a role where you can lead, improve, and build, not just maintain, we would like to hear from you. What Summer Consultants can do for you Provide the opportunity to lead an essential business function in a stable, well-respected consulting firm. Give you meaningful influence over accounting operations, financial reporting, project accounting workflows, and process improvement. Offer the chance to strengthen and improve the firm’s use of Deltek Vantagepoint in a project-based environment. Provide visibility and partnership with leadership and operational teams. Offer a succession-oriented opportunity with room to grow into broader finance leadership over time. Provide a collaborative, small-firm environment where your work will be visible and matter. What you can do for Summer Consultants Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process with accuracy, consistency, and timeliness. Produce timely, accurate financial statements and supporting reports. Ensure financial reporting is timely, consistent, and GAAP-compliant. Ensure project reporting, including WIP, revenue-related reporting, and job cost, reconciles to the general ledger. Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, payroll support, general ledger activity, and reconciliations. Review journal entries, reconciliations, and other close-related accounting outputs. Ensure transactions are recorded accurately and in the proper accounting period. Supervise and develop accounting staff while building accountability for deadlines, quality, and accuracy. Strengthen project accounting practices, including billing workflows, labor cost allocation, expense coding, and project financial data integrity. Lead improvements in how Deltek Vantagepoint is used across finance and project operations, including workflows that support project setup, billing, WIP visibility, revenue-related reporting, and project financial discipline. Build and refine internal controls, standard processes, and financial workflows that reduce risk and improve consistency. Apply appropriate accounting treatment to non-routine or complex transactions. Oversee audit preparation and support tax, regulatory, and reporting compliance requirements. Maintain the integrity of the accounting system and chart of accounts. Help reduce dependence on individual institutional knowledge by building durable processes, documentation, and controls. Support a finance function that delivers reliable data, strong controls, and better project-level visibility. Requirements What you should bring with you Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. 8+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including meaningful ownership of close, financial reporting, and accounting operations. Experience in a project-based professional services environment, ideally AEC, consulting, or similar. Strong knowledge of financial reporting, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, close management, internal controls, and GAAP-based accounting practices. Experience overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, including AP, AR, billing, payroll coordination, and general ledger activities. Experience reviewing journal entries, reconciliations, and close-related accounting work. Experience supervising and developing accounting staff. Strong systems and process improvement orientation. Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint strongly preferred. Experience with project accounting, billing, WIP, labor cost allocation, revenue-related reporting, and project financial data management strongly preferred. Experience leading or materially improving financial systems, workflows, or ERP-supported process discipline strongly preferred. CPA preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong planning, organization, and follow-through. Ability to work effectively with both finance staff and non-financial operational leaders. High level of discretion, sound judgment, and attention to detail. Company Benefits 100% paid employee-only health insurance with 50% of family premiums paid. $350 per month Opt-Out Credit for those with proof of other insurance. Dental and vision insurance are available. 401(k) with 7 – 8% employer contribution annually. Fully paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and group life insurance. Eleven (11) paid holidays and twenty-two (22) days of paid time off per year. Education Assistance Program. #J-18808-Ljbffr