Controller

Michael Page; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Health insurance

401k match

Professional development

Job summary

Michael Page partnered with a downtown Chicago Architecture, Engineering, Construction firm specializing in modification and adaptive reuse projects for office, residential, and multi-family buildings. They seek a strong Controller to lead the accounting and finance function as CFO retires, guiding a small team and partnering with executive leadership.

The role covers monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow, project accounting, compliance, audits, and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• CPA preferred.
• 7-10 years of accounting/finance experience within construction, architecture and/or engineering firm.
• Ability to communicate effectively with board members and senior leadership.
• Experience with Deltek Vantage Point preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and finance operations, including monthly close, financial reporting, payroll oversight, accounts payable, client invoicing, expense management, and project accounting.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, controls, and procedures to support sound financial decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and variance analysis while providing actionable insights to leadership on financial performance.
• Monitor key business metrics, including revenue, profitability, utilization, backlog, and cash collections, and deliver timely reporting and dashboards to support decision-making.
• Partner with executive leadership on strategic planning, growth initiatives, market analysis, and investment decisions to drive firm performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while continuously evaluating organizational structure, staffing needs, and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, coordinate external audits, maintain financial system integrity, and identify opportunities to enhance reporting, automation, and overall financial operations.

Skills

Board communication

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Deltek Vantage Point

Job description

I am partnered with a Architecture, Engineering, Construction firm, based in downtown Chicago, that is specialized in modification and adaptive reuse projects for office, residential, and multi family buildings.

The organization has been around for over 75 years and fosters a trust based, family-oriented environment for their staff. Our client is looking for a strong Controller to join their business as their CFO is retiring. The role will be leading the accounting & finance function for the architecture, construction, and engineering firm while leading a team of two.

Description

• Lead all accounting and finance operations, including monthly close, financial reporting, payroll oversight, accounts payable, client invoicing, expense management, and project accounting.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, controls, and procedures to support sound financial decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and variance analysis while providing actionable insights to leadership on financial performance.
• Monitor key business metrics, including revenue, profitability, utilization, backlog, and cash collections, and deliver timely reporting and dashboards to support decision-making.
• Partner with executive leadership on strategic planning, growth initiatives, market analysis, and investment decisions to drive firm performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while continuously evaluating organizational structure, staffing needs, and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, coordinate external audits, maintain financial system integrity, and identify opportunities to enhance reporting, automation, and overall financial operations.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA preferred
• 7-10 years of accounting/finance experience within construction, architecture and/or engineering firm
• Ability to communicate effectively with board members and senior leadership
• Experience with Deltek Vantage Point preferred

Job Offer

• Salary of $140,000 to $160,000 + discretionary bonus
• PTO based on tenure (typically 15-20 days) + 8 sick days + Public Holidays
• Hybrid work model (3 days onsite)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance
• 4.5% match on 401k
• Professional development policies for further education

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.