Finance Leader for Growth & Operations

Aston Carter; United States; Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Time Off / PTO

HSA

Job summary

Aston Carter is helping a fast-growing engineering firm recruit a hands-on Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, payroll, benefits, and HR operations from La Grange, IL. The role partners with ownership to drive financial performance and growth, with a clear path to broader leadership.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, GAAP proficiency, and project-based accounting expertise. CPA is a plus; Deltek ERP experience strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience leading month end close and preparing financial statements.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with project-based accounting, job costing, and revenue recognition.
• Experience in architecture, engineering, construction, consulting, or other project-based professional services environments.
• Experience with payroll, benefits, and HR administration preferred.
• Deltek Vantagepoint, Deltek Vision, or similar ERP experience strongly preferred.
• CPA preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and month end close.
• Manage project accounting, job costing, project billing, revenue recognition, and profitability reporting.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, forecasts, cash flow reporting, and financial analysis.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and annual planning activities.
• Coordinate audits, tax filings, and external financial reporting requirements.
• Maintain banking relationships and monitor company cash flow.
• Partner with ownership and department leaders to provide financial insights and operational recommendations.
• Analyze project profitability and business performance trends.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, controls, and accounting processes.
• Support ongoing process improvement and system optimization initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Payroll

HR administration

GAAP knowledge

Project accounting

Revenue recognition

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Deltek Vantagepoint

Deltek Vision

Job description

Aston Carter is helping a fast-growing engineering firm recruit a hands-on Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, payroll, benefits, and HR operations from La Grange, IL. The role partners with ownership to drive financial performance and growth, with a clear path to broader leadership.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, GAAP proficiency, and project-based accounting expertise. CPA is a plus; Deltek ERP experience strongly preferred.