Controller / Accounting Manager | Architecture & Construction Industry

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller / Accounting Manager to oversee accounting and financial operations across a growing group of architecture, construction, real estate, and professional services businesses.

You will be responsible for maintaining accurate books, managing cash flow, strengthening internal controls, and providing ownership with timely financial reporting. You will also oversee billing, collections, vendor payments, payroll coordination, and accounting compliance across multiple entities.

This role combines financial oversight with day-to-day accounting work. It suits someone who can explain business performance to ownership, investigate discrepancies, and follow issues through to resolution.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Manage the general ledger and maintain accurate financial records across multiple business entities.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, loans, intercompany balances, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Maintain clear documentation and consistent accounting procedures across entities.
• Coordinate with outside CPAs on tax filings, year-end adjustments, and financial reporting.

Cash Flow, Budgeting, and Business Performance

• Monitor cash balances, upcoming obligations, receivables, and working capital.
• Prepare and maintain cash flow forecasts, operating budgets, and financial projections.
• Analyze financial results against budgets and explain significant variances.
• Track profitability by entity, project, and business line.
• Identify financial risks, unnecessary costs, and opportunities to improve business performance.
• Provide ownership with clear findings and practical recommendations.

Project Accounting, Billing, and Collections

• Oversee project accounting, including revenue, labor costs, consultant costs, reimbursable expenses, and project profitability.
• Track work in progress, retainage, change orders, and billing milestones where applicable.
• Review client contracts and coordinate with project teams to support accurate revenue recognition and billing.
• Ensure invoices are accurate, supported, and issued on schedule.
• Maintain accounts receivable aging reports and lead consistent collection follow-up.
• Work with project managers and ownership to resolve billing discrepancies and overdue accounts.

Payments, Payroll, and Compliance

• Oversee accounts payable, vendor records, payment scheduling, and expense reimbursements.
• Coordinate payroll through Rippling and reconcile payroll activity to the general ledger.
• Reconcile benefits and retirement plan contributions and coordinate related reporting.
• Manage applicable sales and use tax filings, payroll tax reconciliations, 1099 reporting, and insurance audits, working with outside specialists as needed.
• Coordinate with financial institutions, insurance brokers, tax professionals, and auditors.

Internal Controls and Team Oversight

• Establish and maintain approval procedures, payment controls, and financial recordkeeping standards.
• Review accounting processes and improve accuracy, efficiency, and accountability.
• Supervise and support bookkeeping, billing, and administrative accounting staff.
• Establish clear responsibilities and deadlines for recurring accounting tasks.
• Protect confidential business, employee, and financial information.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including ownership of month-end close and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statement preparation.
• Experience managing accounting for multiple entities and reconciling intercompany transactions.
• Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll accounting, budgeting, and cash flow forecasting.
• Ability to investigate discrepancies, resolve accounting issues, and maintain reliable supporting documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain financial results to non-accounting executives.
• Availability to work in person in Midtown Manhattan, Monday through Friday.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in architecture, engineering, construction, real estate, or professional services.
• Experience with project accounting, job costing, work in progress, retainage, and contract-based billing.
• Experience supervising accounting or bookkeeping staff.
• Familiarity with Rippling and accounting system integrations.
• CPA or CMA certification.

What Success Looks Like

The books are accurate, the close is completed on schedule, and ownership has a clear view of cash flow, outstanding receivables, upcoming obligations, and project profitability.

You identify discrepancies early, maintain consistent financial procedures, and follow up until issues are resolved. You are comfortable questioning unsupported entries, requesting missing documentation, and helping colleagues understand the financial impact of their decisions.

Position Details

• Full-time, in-person position in Midtown Manhattan.
• Monday through Friday.
• Compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to grow into broader financial leadership responsibilities as the businesses expand.

How to Apply

Please submit your résumé and a brief note describing your experience with multi-entity accounting, month-end close, financial reporting, cash flow management, and budgeting. Include any relevant background in architecture, construction, real estate, or professional services.

Work Location

In person, Midtown Manhattan.

Pay: $105,000.00 - $132,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person