Controller

Pfluger Architects; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Pfluger Architects seeks aController to lead accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls in Austin, TX. The role partners with budget owners to scale processes as the firm grows, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial data.

You will oversee payroll, AR/AP, project accounting, invoicing, and month-end close, ensuring GAAP compliance and timely reporting. CPA preferred; hybrid work with three days in-office.

Qualifications

• Excellent GAAP accounting knowledge and experience in financial reporting.
• Experience overseeing payroll, AR, AP, project accounting, invoicing, and reconciliations.
• Experience with external tax advisors to ensure tax compliance.
• Advanced ERP proficiency in an AEC environment (Deltek Vision, Ajera or VantagePoint a plus).
• Strong Excel skills and ability to build complex spreadsheets.
• Architecture/Engineering/Construction and/or Project Management experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics; CPA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll, AR, AP, project accounting, invoicing, and reconciliations.
• Ensure GAAP compliance, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
• Manage month-end and year-end closing, journal entries, and financial reporting.
• Oversee deposits and reporting of financial transactions; manage census reporting.
• Structure finance team for efficiency and accountability; align roles and workflows.
• Oversee project accounting support for PMs, including WIP, revenue recognition and accruals.
• Manage firm’s credit card procurement system and documentation.
• Maintain financial controls and coordinate audits and tax filings.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics

CPA preferred

Tools

Deltek Vision

Ajera

VantagePoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the firm’s accounting and financial reporting while providing insights to firmwide budget owners. This individual ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, manages the day-to-day accounting functions, and develops strong internal controls. This individual is a proactive leader that brings experience in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry and a strong accounting and financial reporting background to model a business partnering culture for the organization. The Controller leverages an analytical mindset with the ability to drive efficiency and innovation in financial workflows to ensure the firm’s accounting processes scale with growth. In addition to maintaining the financial health of the firm and ensuring compliance, the Controller mentors and empowers the accounting team, cultivating a high-performing, forward-thinking business unit that fuels the firm’s long-term success.

Department: Finance

Location: Austin, Texas

Role & Responsibilities

Leadership & Organizational Alignment

• Embody Pfluger’s core values. Consistently demonstrate the principles of Do What’s Right, Build Synergy, Make a Difference, and Never Settle in all professional activities.

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee and manage payroll, accounts receivable (AR), accounts payable (AP), project accounting, invoicing, and financial reconciliations, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and internal financial policies.
• Oversee and manage month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring timely completion of journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Ensure the timely completion of monthly deposits and reporting of financial transactions.
• Oversee government census reporting and ensure accurate and timely submission.
• Structure the finance team for efficiency and accountability, ensuring roles, responsibilities, and workflows align with evolving business needs.
• Oversee project accountants and their support of project managers through financial reporting and analysis, including the management of WIP, revenue recognition and project accruals.
• Oversee the firm’s credit card procurement system, ensuring proper employee usage and documentation.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and improve financial controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the accuracy of financial statements.
• Coordinate audits and tax filings with external accountants.
• Manage debt and monitor financial obligations to optimize cash flow and minimize risk.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures that strengthen financial governance and mitigate fraud risks.

ERP System Management & Process Improvement

• Optimize the use of the firm’s ERP system, to improve financial reporting, forecasting, and operational efficiency.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on financial processes and best practices, ensuring company-wide financial literacy.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate financial systems and data strategies that enhance business intelligence, reporting accuracy, and data-driven decision-making across the firm.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the accounting function to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Directly supervise and manage accounting staff per Pfluger People Leader expectations (see addendum).
• Mentor and support accounting staff, providing guidance and fostering a culture of collaboration and professional development.

Experience & Qualifications

• Alignment with Pfluger’s purpose of “inspiring people to create a more meaningful human experience,” with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Excellent GAAP accounting knowledge and experience in financial reporting.
• Experience overseeing accounting functions, including payroll, AR, AP, project accounting, invoicing, and reconciliations.
• Experience managing financial reporting and working with external tax advisors to ensure tax compliance.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP software in an AEC environment. Deltek Vision, Ajera or VantagePoint experience is a plus.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to design and build complex spreadsheets.
• Experience in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and/or Project Management is required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively, have complex financial conversations, and guide accounting staff.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics is required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant accounting and finance experience.

Location

The Controller must be prepared to work three days per week in Pfluger’s local office and may work remotely two days per week. Travel may be required to Pfluger’s other offices.