Assistant Controller

SEH; Illinois; Remote; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SEH, an employee‑owned engineering, architectural, planning, and environmental firm, seeks an Assistant Controller to lead accounting operations and partner with senior leadership on strategy. You’ll oversee monthly closes, audits, and treasury, shaping financial reporting and process improvements.

The role emphasizes collaboration, growth, and a voice for every employee‑owner. Base compensation aligns with experience, with relocation options in consideration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required.
• CPA (active or inactive) is required.
• Experience as Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, or Controller.
• Experience with annual financial statement audits.
• Broad end-to-end accounting operations including AP, AR, treasury, close, reporting.
• Strong GAAP knowledge.
• Ability to lead and develop accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with timely, accurate reporting.
• Evaluate emerging accounting standards and regulatory changes; advise leadership on impacts.
• Manage relationships with external auditors to support audits and controls.
• Oversee treasury activities: cash positioning, forecasting, bank relations, covenants.
• Ensure GAAP compliance, internal controls, and corporate policies.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses.
• Partner with operations to support budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
• Lead, develop, and mentor accounting staff.
• Collaborate with Controller on strategy, process improvements, and special projects.
• Remote role open to candidates in most US states; relocation optional.

Skills

Accounting leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

End-to-end accounting

Audit coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

ERP systems

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CPA (Active or Inactive)

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Job description

Imagine being an employee‑owner of a company guided by engaged and empowered team members like yourself. Where a culture of respect, flexibility, and accountability aren't just ideals – they're our foundation, and diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued as drivers of innovation and growth. Join us, as together, we are Building a Better World for All of Us®.

You belong at SEH

SEH is currenting searching for a Assistant Controller to join our talented Finance/Accounting team!

Why Our Employee‑owners Love SEH

• “I was on vacation last week and had zero concerns that my colleagues would help out with anything that came into my inbox!” – GIS Analyst
• “What company has a CEO who cares enough to seek out one‑on‑one conversations ranging from 'How are you?' to 'What do you think would help the company?' SEH, that's who.” – Civil Engineering Technician
• “Having the feeling that my voice matters and believing that SEH truly cares about the employees is so satisfying!” – Sr Financial Analyst
• “It feels good having colleagues and supervisors that provide support and resources for growth and learning!” – Civil Engineer
• “This is the first company I've worked for with a true entrepreneurial spirit.” – Sr Mechanical Engineer

Why You’ll Love SEH

• Collaborate on amazing projects of varying size and complexity that positively impact communities
• Being 100% employee‑owned means we all share in the company’s success
• Career development through continued education, licensure/certification, skills, and technical training
• Work arrangements that promote work/life balance
• Flexible holidays enable individuals to tailor their festivities
• Paid Family Leave provides time to care for loved ones, whether family by birth or family by choice

Make an impact beyond the numbers. As our Assistant Controller, you'll play a key role in leading accounting operations, supporting the annual audit process and partnering with the Controller and senior leadership on financial strategy, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is an opportunity to earn a seat at the table, contribute your ideas, influence decisions and provide meaningful input on the direction of the business while continuing to grow as a finance leader. We're looking for a curious, collaborative professional who asks thoughtful questions, challenges assumptions and enjoys improving processes. In return, you'll gain the flexibility of a remote role, exposure to executive‑level decision making, and the benefits of a culture where every employee‑owner has a voice.

This Opportunity

• Lead all accounting operations, including monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting
• Proactively evaluate emerging accounting standards and regulatory changes, advising leadership on impacts and implementation strategies
• Build and maintain effective relationships with external auditors to support efficient audits, strong controls, and continuous improvement
• Manage treasury activities, including daily cash positioning, forecasting, bank relationships, and covenant monitoring
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and corporate accounting policies
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports and variance analyses
• Partner with operations and leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, and cost management initiatives
• Lead, develop, and mentor accounting staff
• Collaborate with the Controller on financial strategy, process improvements, and special projects
• This is a remote opportunity open to candidates residing in the majority of US states. (See below for exceptions.) If you are open to relocation, please highlight this in your application.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• CPA, Active or Inactive
• Previous experience as an Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller or Controller
• Experience being a part of an annual financial statement audit
• Broad, hands‑on expertise across end‑to‑end accounting operations, including AP, AR, treasury, audits, close processes, financial reporting, and contract review
• Strong knowledge of GAAP
• Proven ability to manage and develop accounting teams
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel; ability to leverage systems to improve processes.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross functional collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with an AEC firm
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 experience
• Fifteen (15) – Twenty (20) years of relevant accounting experience

All offers of employment for this position are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check which meets company standards. This will be conducted post‑offer acceptance. Please note interns are not required to complete a background check during the hiring process.

Who We Are

Better Places. Clean Water. Renewing Infrastructure. Improving Mobility. SEH is an employee‑owned engineering, architectural, planning, and environmental company offering a wide variety of services. We’ve been helping government industrial and commercial clients find solutions to complex challenges since 1927. Our 900+ employee‑owners across the US unite behind our core purpose of Building a Better World for All of Us®.

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $110,000 and $140,000 based on skill set and experience. Check out our full benefits package at SEH Hiring Journey.

Due to current business and operational considerations, unable to hire employees residing in the following states at this time: AK, AR, CA, CT, DE, HI, KY, MA, RI, VT, and PR. Candidates willing to relocate should indicate this in your application.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

SEH is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin disability or veteran status. We take affirmative action to ensure that all employment decisions are based on merit qualifications and abilities. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.

Notice to Third Party Agencies: SEH does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by SEH’s Talent Director SEH reserves the right to pursue and hire these candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.