Financial Controller

Next One Staffing; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Next One Staffing seeks an accomplished Controller to lead its accounting operations and be a strategic finance partner to executive leadership in California. This role reports to the CFO and collaborates with the Executive Committee, Board, and project teams to translate financial data into actionable insights.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, 5+ years in AEC/engineering context, strong GAAP knowledge, and a track record of building robust controls and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field is required.
• 7+ years progressive accounting experience; 10+ years preferred.
• AEC/engineering industry experience is highly desirable.
• CPA preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly and year-end close, GL, reconciliations, accruals, and reporting.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, P&L, and balance sheet analysis.
• Oversee WIP accounting and ASC 606 across active projects.
• Monitor AP/AR, billing, collections, and payroll oversight.
• Produce financial packages for executives and Board meetings.
• Strengthen controls, policies, and process improvements; mentor team.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Financial analysis

ERP systems

Excel advanced

Communication with executives

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Management or related field

Tools

Deltek Vision

Vantagepoint

Job description

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

A well-established and highly respected California engineering firm is seeking an accomplished Controller to lead its accounting operations and serve as a key financial partner to executive leadership.

This is much more than a traditional Controller role. Working closely with the CFO, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and operational leadership, the Controller will help translate financial performance into actionable business insights while strengthening the systems, controls, reporting, and processes that support the firm's continued growth.

For an experienced finance leader who understands the unique economics of the AEC industry, this is an opportunity to have genuine influence within an organization where financial leadership has a seat at the table.

What You’ll Lead

• Monthly and year-end close, general ledger, reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting
• Budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, P&L, balance sheet, backlog, KPI, and variance analysis
• Work-in-Progress (WIP) accounting and ASC 606 revenue recognition
• Percent-of-completion and cost-to-cost accounting across active projects
• Accounts receivable, accounts payable, billing, collections, and payroll oversight
• Monthly, quarterly, and annual financial packages for executive leadership and the Board
• Coordination with outside CPA professionals on accounting and tax matters
• Financial controls, accounting policies, compliance, and process improvement
• Banking, credit, and insurance relationships in partnership with the CFO
• Leadership, mentoring, and development of the accounting team

You’ll also work closely with Project Managers to strengthen financial visibility around WIP, project performance, billing, collections, contracts, and profitability.

We’re Looking for More Than a Great Accountant

The ideal candidate understands the numbers but also knows how to use them to improve the business. You should be someone who can identify trends, anticipate issues, challenge inconsistencies, improve processes, and communicate financial information effectively to both financial and non-financial leaders.

The organization is also continuing to modernize its finance function, making this an excellent opportunity for someone interested in technology, automation, improved dashboards, AI-enabled finance tools, and smarter financial reporting.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, or related field
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience; 10+ years preferred
• 5+ years of AEC industry accounting/finance experience; 10 years preferred
• Previous supervisory or accounting leadership experience
• Strong command of GAAP and financial reporting
• Experience with WIP, percent-of-completion accounting, and ASC 606
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with executives, Project Managers, employees, clients, and outside advisors
• Strong attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger financial picture
• CPA preferred, but not required.
• Experience with Deltek Vision or Vantagepoint is highly desirable.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join an established California engineering organization with a strong professional reputation and long-term presence in the industry.

The Controller will have significant visibility within the organization and the opportunity to influence financial performance, project economics, reporting, technology, processes, and the continued development of the accounting function.

If you're an experienced AEC finance professional looking for a Controller position where you can do more than maintain the status quo, we'd like to talk to you.