Controller / Lead Accountant - Hybrid to $110K + Bonus

Polaris Search Group, LLC; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Search Group, LLC is seeking a detail‑oriented Controller / Lead Accountant to steer financial operations and oversee a small internal team in Seattle. The role partners with project managers and acts as a financial gatekeeper for executive leadership, driving real‑time financial health.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in accounting (public and/or private), excels at creating structure, standardizing processes, and delivering accurate financial reporting for fast‑growing environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred, finance concentration acceptable.
• 5+ years progressive accounting experience, ideally 2+ years in manufacturing/construction/real estate.
• High proficiency with ERP software and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee month‑end and year‑end closing to generate accurate financial statements.
• Manage AP, AR, and payroll operations and supervise a small accounting team.
• Analyze variances, develop KPIs, and provide insights to leadership.
• Maintain fixed asset register and ensure correct depreciation and capex classifications.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Process optimization

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

ERP software

Advanced Excel

Job description

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Controller / Lead Accountant to lead their financial operations and accounting functions. You will supervise a small internal team, partner closely with Project Managers, and serve as the financial gatekeeper for our executive leadership. This opportunity is for an experienced Accountant (5+ years public and/or industry) that is ready to take on increased responsibilities and contribute to a fast-growing company. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on fixer who thrives on creating structure, standardizing accounting processes, and transitioning the company into clean, real‑time financial health.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Accounting, Financial Reporting & Operations

• Oversee the complete month‑end and year‑end closing processes to generate accurate balance sheets and income statements.
• Manage AP, AR, and Payroll operations.
• Investigate monthly fluctuations and provide explanations for variances.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain fixed asset register, ensure correct capital expenditure classifications, and oversee proper recording of depreciation.
• Provide information requested for audits, taxes, financial reviews, and external reporting requirements.
• Manage small accounting team providing direction and leadership to ensure deadlines are met with quality work.

Project & Cost Accounting

• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) reports to ensure accurate revenue recognition and margin analysis.
• Monitor real-time project costs, compare actual expenditures against baseline estimates, and flagging potential overruns early.
• Oversee billing processes

Process Improvements & Internal Controls

• Evaluate company’s existing financial processes and make improvements that will improve efficiency and accuracy going forward.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for accounting activities.
• Establish and audit internal controls to protect corporate assets, manage payroll, and oversee AP/AR operations.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow

• Assist with the annual budget and quarterly forecasts.
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning to manage operational capital across various active projects.

Professional Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting strongly preferred. Will consider a concentration in Finance, with 21+ hours in accounting.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably with 2+ years within a manufacturing, construction, construction-related, or real estate company.
• High proficiency with ERP software with advanced Excel skills.

Core Competencies

• Ability to communicate financial data clearly to non-financial team members.
• Comfortable rolling up your sleeves for day-to-day entry while simultaneously advising on high-level financial strategy.