Controller (51850)

Urban Engineers, Inc. in; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 158,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Prescription

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability (Short/Long Term)

Flexible Spending Accounts

ESOP

401K with company match

Vacation, holidays and personal days

Tuition reimbursement & certification

Job summary

Urban Engineers is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls in a hybrid Philadelphia environment. The role reports to the CFO and drives accuracy, compliance, and strategic insights for the firm's growth.

Responsibilities include GAAP reporting, payroll, tax, audits, ERP optimization, and building a high-performing Accounting & Finance team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required.
• Master's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration preferred.
• CPA certification required.
• 8–10 years of progressive accounting leadership experience, including public accounting.
• AEC industry experience strongly preferred.
• Deltek Vantagepoint ERP experience preferred.
• Experience leading audits, ERP implementations, and multi-office accounting operations.
• Experience developing accounting professionals.

Responsibilities

• Direct accounting operations and ensure accurate GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, departmental P&L reports, executive dashboards, and analyses.
• Analyze financial performance and recommend corrective actions.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and cash flow management.
• Partner with the CFO on financial strategy and organizational planning.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Auditing

Internal controls

ERP systems

Deltek Vantagepoint

Project accounting

Indirect costs

Advanced Excel

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Master's degree in accounting/finance/MBA

CPA certification

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Controller (51850) (Finance)

Urban Engineers is seeking an experienced and collaborative Controller to lead the firm's accounting operations and financial reporting functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the firm's financial information, maintaining strong internal controls, supporting strategic decision-making, and leading a high-performing Accounting & Finance team.

This leadership role oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, payroll, tax compliance, audits, ERP optimization, and financial systems while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement. The Controller serves as a trusted advisor to the CFO and executive leadership, providing timely financial insights that support the firm's growth, profitability, and long-term success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Leadership

• Direct all accounting operations and ensure accurate GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, departmental profit and loss reports, executive dashboards, and supporting analyses.
• Analyze financial performance and recommend corrective actions.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and cash flow management.
• Partner with the CFO on financial strategy and organizational planning.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee the general ledger, AP, AR, fixed assets, payroll accounting, and close process.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local accounting and tax requirements.
• Manage corporate overhead allocations and indirect cost structures.
• Maintain accurate financial records and accounting policies.

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Coordinate financial, FAR overhead, ESOP, 401(k), tax, and client audits.
• Oversee corporate tax filings.
• Develop and monitor internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, FAR, and DCAA requirements.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead ERP optimization and process improvement initiatives.
• Leverage automation and technology to improve reporting.
• Develop standardized financial policies and procedures.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting & Finance team.
• Support employee engagement, coaching, and professional development.
• Promote a collaborative, customer-focused, high-performing culture.

Strategic Partnership

• Advise the CFO on accounting, compliance, and operational improvements.
• Support Board, Audit Committee, and executive reporting.
• Provide financial analysis supporting strategic decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required.
• Master's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration preferred.

Licensure

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.

Experience

• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive accounting leadership, including public accounting.
• AEC industry experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated background using ERPs with a strong preference for Deltek Vantagepoint experience.
• Experience leading audits, ERP implementations, and multi-office accounting operations.
• Experience managing and developing accounting professionals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, auditing, internal controls, and financial compliance.
• Strong understanding of FAR overhead, project accounting, and indirect cost allocations.
• Advanced Excel and ERP skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid office environment with flexibility to work remotely based on business needs. Occasional travel to Urban Engineers offices and ability to lift up to 10 pounds.

Benefits of working at Urban:

• Medical/Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short/Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401K and company match
• Vacation, Holiday, and Personal Days
• Tuition ReimbursementProfessional Development
• Certification Bonus

About Urban:

Our culture is built around our people. Voted a top workplace by our employees, we are committed to advancing careers and providing a foundation for professional growth. Urban offers a wide range of health, welfare and financial benefits to our employees, as well as career development through our own Urban Training Institute, tuition assistance program, and certification incentives.

Founded in 1960, Urban provides services for buildings, ports, transit, railroads, airports, bridges, and highways. We specialize in engineering design, environmental, planning, construction services, and program management. By providing innovation, technical excellence, and on-time performance, we create value for a proud Urban family.

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran statusSalary Minimum: 175000Salary Maximum: 175000