Assistant Controller

Soni; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Soni is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join its finance and accounting leadership team in a key role overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls within a project-driven professional services environment.

The role partners with the Controller and CFO, driving forecasting, margin analysis, and strategic financial decisions while leading a team toward continuous improvement and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in a project‑driven professional services organization preferred.
• Familiarity with government contracting and FAR.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee core accounting functions including payables, receivables, GL, payroll, project costing, billing and revenue.
• Lead monthly and annual close processes ensuring timely, complete financial results.
• Monitor GAAP compliance and government contracting requirements.
• Coordinate audits and liaise with auditors.
• Partner with Controller and CFO on financial planning and strategic decisions.
• Develop and present financial reporting and insights to senior leadership and the board.
• Mentor and develop accounting team; drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with project/operational leaders on forecasting, project economics and margin analysis.
• Improve accounting processes, controls and overhead rate calculations for government and other clients.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP

Audits

Project accounting

Financial reporting

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

Our client, a leading project-driven professional services organization, is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join its finance and accounting leadership team. This is a key leadership opportunity for an accounting professional with strong technical expertise, a hands‑on approach, and experience supporting complex project‑based operations.

The Assistant Controller will play a critical role in overseeing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls while partnering closely with senior leadership and operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee core accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, project costing, billing, and revenue.
• Lead monthly and annual financial close processes, ensuring financial results are complete, accurate, and delivered on schedule.
• Monitor accounting practices and policies for compliance with GAAP, federal contracting requirements, and other applicable regulations.
• Coordinate audit requests, supporting documentation, and communications with internal and external auditors.
• Partner with the Controller and CFO on financial planning, risk assessment, strategic business decisions, and longer‑term organizational objectives.
• Develop and present financial reporting, analysis, and insights to senior leadership and the Board.
• Lead, mentor, and develop members of the accounting team while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with project and operational leaders on forecasting, project economics, cost management, and margin analysis.
• Evaluate and enhance accounting processes, controls, policies, and procedures to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Oversee the development and submission of indirect cost and overhead rate calculations for government and other public‑sector clients.
• Collaborate with HR and operations on payroll administration, benefits‑related accounting, employment taxes, and related financial matters.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial controls, streamline processes, and improve the overall effectiveness of the accounting function.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a senior accounting, Assistant Controller, or comparable leadership position.
• Experience within an engineering, architecture, environmental, construction, or other project‑driven professional services organization strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with government contracting and federal accounting requirements, particularly the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
• Strong understanding of project accounting, indirect cost structures, overhead allocations, and rate development.
• Demonstrated experience leading financial close processes, audits, financial reporting, and internal control initiatives.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, operational teams, project managers, and external stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline‑driven environment.

Compensation: $140,000-160,000

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job‑related qualifications.