Controller

Talentify; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

RRM Design Group in Santa Barbara, CA is seeking a strategic Controller to lead the accounting function, manage a growing team, and support long-term growth. Reporting to the COO, you will oversee month-end closes, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting while driving process improvements across the firm.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in accounting/finance, with 5-6 years as a controller, project accounting experience, and a track record mentoring high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• 10 years of accounting and finance experience, with 5–6 years as a controller.
• Experience with project accounting.
• Demonstrated track record for mentoring and building high-performing teams.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting functions and month-end close.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team (Payroll, AP/AR, Project Accounting, Collections).
• Develop budgets, financial planning, and annual business plans.
• Prepare timely financial statements and reporting.
• Manage cash flow analysis and forecasting.
• Drive process improvements and systems enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

Accounting Expertise

Project Accounting

Budgeting & Forecasting

Cash Flow Management

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Unanet

Job description

Description

Are you a strategic financial leader ready to make a meaningful impact? RRM Design Group is seeking an experienced Controller to help guide our financial operations, lead the accounting team, and support long-term, sustainable growth.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Controller will oversee all accounting functions while leading and mentoring a high-performing accounting team. This role is central to our organization and offers the opportunity to influence company strategy, strengthen financial systems, and help shape our culture. It’s truly a career-defining opportunity for the right leader.

At RRM Design Group, we’re more than a design firm—we’re a purpose-driven, employee-owned company that values collaboration, innovation, and people. Join us in creating environments people enjoy, while helping build the financial foundation that supports our future.

Why RRM Design Group?

• Employee-owned firm with a collaborative, respectful, and innovative culture.
• Direct partnership with the COO and leadership team to influence company-wide strategy.
• Flexible work environment, support for professional growth, and a people-first mindset.

YOUR ROLE LOOKS LIKE:

• Leading, managing, and developing the accounting team, including Project Accounting, Payroll, AP/AR, and Collections.
• Collaborating with workgroup principals, market sector leaders, and management to support and execute strategic plan goals.
• Developing, maintaining, and overseeing annual budgets and business planning structures.
• Preparing accurate and timely month-end and year-end close financial statements.
• Managing cash flow analysis and forecasting.
• Drive continuous improvement through research and enhancement of software, processes, efficiency, and best practices.

Requirements

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• 10 years of experience working in accounting and finance, 5-6 of those years working as a controller.
• Experience with project accounting.
• Demonstrated track record for mentoring and building high-performing teams.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

ABOVE & BEYOND:

• Experience using Unanet.
• Experience in ESOP, AEC, FAR, or prevailing wage environments is a big plus.
• CPA – Preferred.