Controller

Position Overview
Our client, a private equity-backed engineering consulting firm, is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead and transform the accounting function as the business scales. The company is undergoing a significant evolution—from cash-basis accounting to full GAAP compliance—in preparation for its first audit and continued growth from ~$20M to $40–50M in revenue over the next 3–5 years.
This role is critical in building a scalable financial infrastructure, implementing proper revenue recognition (percentage-of-completion), and establishing strong internal controls. The Controller will operate with a high degree of autonomy and serve as the functional owner of all accounting operations.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Transformation & Compliance

• Lead the transition from cash-basis to GAAP-compliant accounting, including revenue recognition for project-based work
• Prepare the organization for its first external audit (target: 2026)
• Establish and document internal controls, policies, and procedures

Financial Operations

• Own the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Oversee general ledger, payroll, AP/AR, and financial reporting
• Implement and manage percentage-of-completion/project accounting

Systems & Process Improvement

• Play a key role in ERP transition from Sage 50 to Deltek VantagePoint
• Build scalable processes to support a growing, project-based consulting business
• Drive improvements in financial visibility, reporting, and operational efficiency

Leadership & Partnership

• Act as the day-to-day accounting leader, operating independently with minimal oversight
• Partner with the CFO and executive team to support growth, margin improvement, and expansion initiatives
• Support private equity stakeholders with reporting and financial insights

Required Qualifications

• CPA required (or equivalent technical accounting expertise)
• 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles
• Strong experience with GAAP, revenue recognition, and audit readiness
• Proven ability to build processes, controls, and scalable accounting infrastructure
• Hands-on mindset—comfortable operating both strategically and tactically
• Experience managing month-end close and full accounting cycle independently

Preferred Experience

• Background in engineering, consulting, construction, or other project-based businesses
• Experience with percentage-of-completion accounting
• Exposure to PE-backed or high-growth middle-market companies
• ERP implementation or migration experience (Deltek VantagePoint a plus)

What Success Looks Like

• Clean, audit-ready financials within 6–12 months
• Successful transition to GAAP and project-based accounting
• ERP implementation completed with minimal disruption
• Scalable accounting infrastructure supporting rapid growth
• Strong financial discipline and visibility across the organization

Additional Context

• This is a high-impact, build-and-scale role—ideal for someone who enjoys creating structure in a fast-moving environment
• The Controller will have full ownership of accounting operations and must be comfortable operating independently
• The company is expanding into new markets (hospitality, healthcare, government), creating meaningful growth opportunity