Controller

Brilliant Financial Search - IL; Illinois; On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Job summary

Brilliant Financial Search - IL is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function for an AEC-focused client in Illinois. The role partners with executives and project teams to drive financial accuracy, forecasting, and growth.

Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in progressive accounting leadership, deep GAAP knowledge, and strong project-based accounting experience. CPA or MBA is a plus, with a track record of building high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience including leadership.
• Experience in a project-based industry (AEC or similar) preferred.
• GAAP and financial reporting knowledge.
• Experience building and leading accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations including GL, close, AP, AR, and payroll oversight.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Oversee project accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, and revenue recognition.
• Monitor project financial performance, profitability, utilization, and operational metrics.
• Partner with project managers on budgets, forecasts, and financial decisions.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, billing, collections and planning.
• Develop internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate audits, tax requirements, and external reporting.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and reporting.
• Support executive leadership with financial analysis and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership & mentorship

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Project-based accounting

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or MBA (plus)

Job description

Job Description

Controller | AEC | $130,000 to $150,000 + Bonus/Benefits

We are seeking an experienced Controller to join a growing organization within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. This individual will oversee the day-to-day accounting function while partnering closely with executive leadership and project teams to drive financial accuracy, operational visibility, and continued growth. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting experience along with a solid understanding of project-based accounting and the financial complexities of the AEC environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end and year-end close, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll oversight
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Oversee project accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, and revenue recognition
• Monitor project financial performance, profitability, utilization, and key operational metrics
• Partner with project managers and operational leaders on budgets, forecasts, project performance, and financial decision-making
• Manage cash flow, working capital, billing, collections, and financial planning
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures
• Coordinate annual audits, tax requirements, and other external reporting
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, systems, and overall efficiency
• Support executive leadership with financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar leadership role
• Experience within architecture, engineering, construction, professional services, or another project-based environment strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of project accounting, job costing, WIP, and revenue recognition
• Solid understanding of GAAP and financial reporting
• Experience leading and developing accounting teams
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to partner effectively with both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Experience improving accounting processes, controls, and reporting
• CPA or MBA is a plus

Company Description

Brilliant is an award-winning direct-hire, contract and consulting practice specializing in accounting, finance and technology for the Midwest and Southeast regions of the U.S. Many of Brilliant's team members include former accounting, finance and technology professionals who are experts in the fields.