Controller

Controller
Architecture, Engineering & Construction (Ongoing Search)
San Francisco Bay Area | Full-time | Hybrid or In-office (role dependent)

Building Talent partners with architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms across the San Francisco Bay Area on ongoing and upcoming Controller needs. This posting reflects senior accounting leadership roles we regularly support as firms grow, evolve, and strengthen their financial operations.

We're connecting with Controllers who have direct AEC experience and are comfortable leading accounting teams while overseeing the full financial lifecycle of project-based organizations. Depending on the firm, this role may be highly hands-on or more strategic in nature, with close partnership alongside ownership, principals, or CFO leadership.

Core responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the accounting function, including month-end and year-end close
• Oversee general ledger, A/P, billing, A/R, payroll, and cash managementDevelop, implement, and maintain accounting
• policies, procedures, and internal controls in compliance with GAAP
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, and variance reporting
• Oversee preparation of internal, external, and regulatory financial reports
• Perform financial analysis of operating results and support strategic business initiatives
• Partner with senior leadership and/or CFO on financial planning and decision-making
• Manage tax compliance, audits, and relationships with external accounting firms
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor a high-performing accounting and finance team

Required / preferred software experience

• Deltek Vision or Deltek Vantagepoint (strongly preferred for architecture and engineering environments)
  Ajera or similar A/E-focused accounting systems
• Sage 300 CRE / Sage Timberline, Viewpoint Vista or Spectrum, CMiC (commonly used in construction environments)
• Advanced Excel skills (financial modeling, reporting, and analysis
• Experience working within integrated accounting and project management systems

Backgrounds that tend to align well

• Controller or senior accounting leadership experience within architecture, engineering, or construction (AEC) environments
• Strong understanding of project-based accounting and revenue recognition
• Experience supporting multi-project, fee- or cost-driven organizations
• Confident leader with a hands-on mindset and strong judgment
• Comfortable partnering closely with executive leadership and operations teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including senior-level financial management
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP
• CPA preferred but not required

Compensation varies by firm, scope, and location and is commensurate with experience.

If your background aligns with what our clients are seeking, we'll reach out directly to start a conversation - whether for a current opening or an upcoming need.

Let's Chat.