Assistant Controller

Kpffconsultingengineers; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

KPFF Consulting Engineers seeks an Assistant Controller to lead the accounting function, overseeing close processes, journal entries, and reconciliations with GAAP compliance. You will coordinate audits, strengthen internal controls, and guide the team across multiple locations.

Work closely with Controllers and Finance leaders on budgeting, forecasting, and reporting while streamlining manual processes and expanding the team's capacity as the firm grows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• 10+ years progressive accounting experience in multi-location environments.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and ability to explain concepts clearly.
• Experience with leases, fixed assets, and intercompany activity.
• Proficiency with Excel, ERP systems, and reporting tools.
• CPA or substantial equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly and year-end close with GAAP compliance.
• Review journal entries and reconciliations for accuracy.
• Coordinate audits and respond to auditor requests.
• Lead internal controls development and process improvements.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting.
• Ensure tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

ERP systems

Technical accounting guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

ERP software

Financial reporting tools

Job description

The Assistant Controller is a senior member of the Accounting and Shared Services team, partnering closely with the Controller and VP of Finance to support accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and efficient accounting operations. This role provides hands-on oversight of general ledger activity, reconciliations, tax compliance, audits, and financial reporting while reviewing work prepared by others and providing technical guidance across the accounting team. The Assistant Controller will also help streamline manual processes and expand the team's capacity as KPFF continues to grow and navigate increasing financial and regulatory complexity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Support and provide oversight for monthly and fiscal year-end close processes, including reviewing journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, and supporting schedules for accuracy, completeness, and GAAP compliance.
• Review the work of accounting team members, resolve complex or unusual items, and ensure issues are addressed before financial information is finalized.
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements for accuracy and GAAP compliance.
• Analyze financial results, investigate unusual variances, and communicate key findings to leadership.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and provide oversight for complex accounting areas, including leases across KPFF's multi-location portfolio, fixed assets, accruals, prepaids, and intercompany activity.
• Partner with Finance and operational leaders on budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting.

Compliance, Controls & Audit

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate and support recurring financial and indirect cost rate audits, including reviewing documentation, managing time-sensitive requests, responding to auditor questions, and helping resolve findings.
• Support state, local, and project-specific audits that may arise throughout the year.
• Research and implement new accounting standards and reporting requirements.
• Oversee and review federal, state, and local tax compliance activities across KPFF's multi-location operations, including business, use, personal property, and other applicable taxes.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors, prepare and review supporting documentation, monitor filing requirements and deadlines, and stay current on regulatory changes affecting KPFF's locations and operations.
• Support compliance activities associated with operations in Canada, U.S. territories, and other jurisdictions as the firm's geographic footprint evolves.

Leadership, Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Provide technical guidance, education, and mentorship to accounting team members and Project Cost Accountants across the organization.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex accounting questions and close-related issues.
• Promote consistent accounting practices, documentation, and knowledge sharing across KPFF's decentralized organization.
• Partner across Accounting, Finance, Payroll, Benefits, and Data on shared priorities and organizational initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to streamline manual accounting and tax processes through improved workflows, Excel-based tools, third-party software, or other technology solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Typically 10 or more years of progressive accounting experience, including meaningful responsibility for general ledger accounting, financial reporting, close processes, audits, and tax compliance.
• Experience reviewing accounting work and providing technical guidance to other team members. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and the ability to explain technical accounting concepts clearly to different audiences.
• Experience supporting a complex, multi-location organization with tax, lease, and reporting requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Proficiency with Excel, ERP or accounting systems, and financial reporting tools.
• Experience improving accounting processes, controls, documentation, or systems.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage recurring deadlines, audit requests, and competing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or substantial equivalent technical accounting and audit experience.
• Experience supporting financial audits, indirect cost rate audits, government contracting, or federally funded project work.
• Experience with multistate tax compliance, including business, use, or personal property taxes.
• Experience in AEC, professional services, project-based accounting, or another similarly complex environment.
• Experience evaluating or implementing accounting automation, third-party tax tools, or process improvements.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Duties are typically performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk.
• Ability to actively engage with a computer for several hours per day