Controller

Summary -  The Controller is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial and accounting functions of the firm. As a hands-on leader, the Controller ensures accurate project accounting, timely financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning. This role bridges the finance, operations, and executive leadership to support informed decision-making in a dynamic, project-based professional services environment. The Controller will play a critical role in managing financial systems, developing financial processes, and providing insights that drive profitability and sustainable growth in a firm. 

  Key Responsibilities

 Project Accounting & Profitability

• aintain work-in-progress (WIP) schedules and monitor over/under billings.
• Track project costs versus budgets and prepare profitability reports.
• Review contracts and change orders for financial implications.

Billing & Accounts Receivable

• Manage timely project billings and client invoicing.
• Monitor accounts receivable and lead collections efforts.
• Ensure billing terms align with contract agreements.

Accounting & Close Process

• Oversee full-cycle accounting: GL, AP, AR, payroll, fixed assets.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements under GAAP.
• Reconcile accounts and manage the month-end close process.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow

• Lead annual operating budget preparation and periodic reforecasts.
• Develop and maintain 13-week cash flow forecasts.
• Manage working capital and banking relationships.

Internal Controls & Systems

• Maintain and improve accounting systems, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations.
• Support external audits and tax preparation as needed.

 Financial Leadership & Strategic Support

• Partner with firm leadership to evaluate opportunities and risks.
• Provide financial analysis for proposals, pricing, and staffing decisions.
• Communicate financial insights to principals and project managers.

Administrative & Compliance

• Oversee payroll taxes, sales/use taxes, and other regulatory filings.
• Manage insurance, licensing, and compliance obligations.

Team Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop a small accounting team.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, and professional growth within the finance function. 

Education & Certification Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required).
• CPA strongly preferred; CMA or MBA is a plus.

 Experience

• 5–10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience.
• Prior experience in an Architecture, Engineering, Construction, or other project-based professional services firm preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage full accounting cycles, budgets, forecasting, and audits.
• Strong skills with accounting systems and Excel; experience implementing or improving financial processes.

 Skills & Qualities

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and project accounting.
• Analytical skills with ability to interpret financial and project data.
• Effective communicator with both finance and non-finance leaders.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven.
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• High ethical standards, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite) and Microsoft Excel.

 Success Metrics

• Monthly close completed within 5 business days.
• Accurate, timely project profitability and variance reporting.
• Effective management of receivables and DSO.
• Reliable cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
• Clean audit results and on-time tax filings.

Industrial Design offers full benefits including Health/Dental/Vision insurance (single and family), PTO, Paid Holidays and 401k.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement – Industrial Design recruits, hires, employs, trains, promotes, and compensates individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. Industrial Design is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.

Applicants please note: This position requires US work authorization, and we are not looking for out of country/outsourced support or remote workers of any kind. This opening is for local candidates residing in the metro phoenix area or those willing to self-relocate to this area only. All positions listed are full time in office roles with no opportunity for hybrid or work from home accommodations. If you are looking to work remote, please do not apply.

All Staffing Agencies please take note:

Industrial Design LLC will not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from any person/source other than directly from an individual candidate. All unsolicited resumes or applications provided to Industrial Design LLC by any method (Postal mail, Email Fax or Text), including directly to Industrial design by courier or personal delivery will be considered as property of Industrial Design LLC. Industrial Design will never pay a fee or commission for any hiring resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume or application. Any submission of an unsolicited resume or application which has delivered to Industrial Design which originates from an agency will be considered to have been referred by the agency free of any charges, fees or commissions. All agencies must obtain written approval from Industrial Design’s Principal, in advance, prior to submission any resumes or applications. Submissions then will only be permitted in conjunction with a fully executed service contract in place between the agency and Industrial Design LLC; service contracts will be specific to exact job openings only. Industrial Design LLC will not pay a fee or commission to any agency or agent that does not have a valid service agreement in place prior to communications related to the open position and potential candidate for that position. Agency agreements must be signed by the Principal member of Industrial Design LLC to be valid, no other Industrial Design LLC employee, representative or member is authorized to bind Industrial Design LLC to any agreements or contracts, written or verbal, regarding the placement of employment candidates by any agency or agent; these aforementioned conditions included any full time, part time, contract, temp to hire and staff augmentation position within Industrial Design LLC.