We are looking for an accomplished Controller to lead financial operations and strengthen accounting practices for our organization in Santa Barbara, California. This role will guide a multi-function accounting team, deliver reliable financial reporting, and provide insight that supports business planning and long-term objectives. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, a solid background in project-based accounting, and the ability to improve systems, processes, and overall financial performance.
Responsibilities:
- Provide direction, coaching, and performance leadership to accounting professionals across project accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and collections.
- Partner with senior leaders and business stakeholders to align financial strategies with organizational goals and support key planning initiatives.
- Build and oversee annual budgets, planning frameworks, and financial models that help guide operational and strategic decisions.
- Produce complete and accurate monthly and annual financial statements while ensuring an efficient and well-controlled close process.
- Monitor liquidity needs by evaluating cash position, preparing forecasts, and identifying trends that may affect financial stability.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen reporting tools, streamline workflows, and elevate accounting best practices through process and technology improvements.
- Support financial oversight for project-based work by ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of project performance.
- Use data analysis and reporting tools, including advanced spreadsheet capabilities, to deliver actionable financial insight to leadership.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
- At least 10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including 5 to 6 years serving in a Controller capacity.
- Hands-on experience with project accounting is required.
- Proven success developing teams, mentoring staff, and fostering strong departmental performance.
- Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and communication skills are essential.
- Experience with annual budgeting, financial reporting, month-end close, cash flow analysis, forecasting, and financial statement preparation is required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is expected.
- Experience with Unanet or prior work in architecture, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, planning, or prevailing wage environments is preferred.