Controller A5(opens in new tab)

GRAEF; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours/hybrid schedule

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Retirement Savings Plan

ESOP

Tuition Reimbursement

Free parking

Job summary

GRAEF, a leading U.S. consulting firm, seeks an experienced Controller for its Corporate Office in downtown Milwaukee. This role supports the Finance Department, reporting to the CFO, and partners with executives across the firm.

The Controller will lead finance staff, manage daily operations, and ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance. The position offers a hybrid schedule and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; advanced degrees/CPA preferred.
• Eight+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience with leadership responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Finance staff, providing direction and performance feedback.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting and financial operations.
• Prepare and oversee monthly, quarterly, annual financial reporting.
• Review general ledger and approve journal entries for accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Oversee bank reconciliations and cash activity.
• Manage biweekly payroll processing and payroll tax activities.
• Oversee accounts receivable review, collections and reporting.
• Collaborate with Project Managers on project accounting, billing, and revenue recognition.
• Coordinate financial statement, retirement plan, and FAR audits.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Project accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Deltek Vantagepoint

Job description

GRAEF, a leading U.S. consulting firm, has been providing exceptional careers and quality engineering, planning and design services to our clients since 1961. We recognize that the best workplaces are filled with technically excellent, innovative, creative, and highly motivated people and are proud to be recognized as a 2026 Top Work Place.

GRAEF is more than just a business. We are a committed employer and community member. We invest in our employees as we do our clients, providing a challenging and rewarding environment where you can grow both personally and professionally. GRAEF values exciting work and lasting relationships; we embody values that speak to loyalty, service, quality and integrity; and we strive to grow with these ideas leading the way. We're looking for people who agree that in addition to technical excellence, it's all about relationships!

GRAEF is seeking an experienced Controller to join our Corporate Office in our exciting downtown Milwaukee Headquarters office. As a Controller, you will support the operational aspects of the Finance Department.This position reports to the CFO and is a key member of our six-person Finance Department, partnering closely with executives and professionals throughout the firm.

Enjoy Job Responsibilities that may include:

• Lead and supervise Finance staff, providing direction, coaching, development, and performance feedback.
• Oversee the day-to-day accounting and financial operations of the firm.
• Prepare and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Review the general ledger and approve journal entries to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Oversee bank reconciliations and cash activity.
• Manage and review biweekly payroll processing and payroll tax activities.
• Oversee accounts receivable review, collections, and financial reporting.
• Work with Project Managers to review project accounting, including project financial performance, billing, and revenue recognition.
• Lead contact for financial statement, retirement plan, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) overhead audits.
• Coordinate various statutory, regulatory, and insurance compliance reporting requirements.
• Key contact for relationships with third parties (auditors, bankers, insurance brokers).

We are considering candidates for our Controller position, who meet the following basic qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.Advanced degrees and/or CPA certification are preferred.
• Eight or more years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibility, or an equivalent combination of public accounting and industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of general accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP and project accounting systems.
• Deltek Vantagepoint experience is a plus.
• Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is a plus.
• Experience in professional services, engineering, architecture, or similar project-based environment is preferred.

Why GRAEF? We are proud to offer you a complete package to include:

• Training, mentorship, and leadership development programs
• A team atmosphere dedicated to open communication and collaboration
• Flexible hours/hybrid schedule
• Embed yourself in the community by participating in numerous outside activities that GRAEF endorses and supports
• Exciting downtown office location, with free amenities, including onsite fitness center, pickleball courts, and more
• Free covered parking
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Casual dress

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Disabled/Vets