Controller

Pflueger Architects; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Controller at Pfluger Architects will oversee all accounting functions, ensure GAAP compliance, and deliver accurate financial reporting for the firm’s hybrid Austin work model. You will lead month-end close, manage AR/AP, payroll, and project accounting, and partner with project teams to optimize cash flow and project profitability.

We seek a CPA with 7+ years in accounting/finance, preferably in the AEC industry, who can mentor staff, implement strong controls, and enhance ERP use across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics.
• CPA license preferred.
• Seven+ years of relevant accounting and finance experience.
• Experience in Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) industry.
• Experience with ERP systems in AEC (Deltek Vision, Ajera, VantagePoint).
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and financial reporting experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll, AR, AP, project accounting, invoicing, and reconciliations.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and internal financial policies.
• Lead month-end and year-end closings and journal entries.
• Oversee timely deposits and reporting of financial transactions.
• Coordinate audits and tax filings with external accountants.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls and ERP optimization.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Organizational skills

Written & verbal communication

Attention to detail

Financial reporting experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics

CPA license preferred

Tools

Deltek Vision

Ajera

VantagePoint

Microsoft Excel

Job 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 Employment Type Full Time Location Austin, Texas Workplace type Hybrid

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.

About Pfluger Architects
Since 1972, Pfluger Architects has designed spaces that reflect the vision and aspirations of the people who will use them. With more than 130 employees across five Texas offices, we focus on creating environments for K-12 and higher education that foster connection, creativity, and growth.

Our work is guided by a culture of learning, where every project is an opportunity to ask questions, challenge ideas, and try new approaches. We are driven by curiosity and imagination, always seeking innovative solutions that push boundaries and create lasting impact. And, at the heart of our process is a culture of design, where intentionality and creativity come together to ensure every project is meaningful and successful.

These values shape everything we do, helping us create spaces that inspire people to create a more meaningful human experience.

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