About the Role
-Assist the Principal of Finance in developing annual financial plans and forecasts.
-Provide detailed analysis, variance reporting, and recommendations for maintaining firm performance against established KPIs.
-Support firmwide budgeting efforts, providing accurate cost data and financial insights to leadership and project managers.
-Monitor expenditures, resourcing levels, and overhead expenses to ensure responsible financial stewardship.
-Lead day-to-day accounting functions including AP/AR, payroll, credit card/expense management, and general ledger maintenance.
-Manage month-end and year-end closing processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
-Maintain internal accounting controls and ensure all financial processes are compliant with firm policies and regulatory standards.
-Oversee preparation and accuracy of client invoices, ensuring alignment with contracts, billing schedules, and project budgets.
-Monitor accounts receivable, collections, and aging reports; proactively address late payments and cash flow concerns.
-Collaborate with project managers to ensure WIP, billable hours, and fee projections are up to date.
-Prepare and deliver accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and performance dashboards.
-Conduct trend analyses, revenue tracking, utilization analysis, and cash flow reporting.
-Provide actionable insights that support operational and project-level decision-making.
-Support review of financial terms in contracts, consultant agreements, and fee proposals.
-Manage insurance policies, renewals, certificates, and related compliance documentation.
-Maintain banking relationships and oversee cash management processes.
-Ensure compliance with GAAP, local/state/federal tax requirements, and annual filings.
-Coordinate with external CPA firms on audits, tax returns, and financial reviews.
-Maintain organized and accurate financial records ready for audit.
-Work closely with the Principal of Business Operations and Leadership Team to support long-term planning, scenario modeling, and firmwide performance analysis.
-Support HR, Operations, and Marketing leadership on financial processes tied to resourcing, benefits, bonuses, marketing budgets, and investment planning.
-Supervise and mentor accounting/finance support staff.
-Promote financial literacy, clarity, and accountability across departments.
-Implement updated financial policies, tools, systems, and process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
Requirements
Professional Experience
Minimum 5–10 years of progressive accounting or financial management experience, preferably within an architecture, engineering, construction, or professional services environment.
Experience supervising accounting staff or leading financial operations.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
CPA strongly preferred; MBA or advanced finance/accounting coursework a plus.
Industry Knowledge
Familiarity with financial structures and billing methodologies common to architecture and design firms, including time-and-materials, hourly, and fixed-fee contracts.
Accounting & Compliance Expertise
Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and audit processes.
Hands-on experience with AR/AP, payroll, general ledger management, revenue recognition, WIP schedules, and month-end close.
Financial Systems & Technology
Proficiency with accounting and ERP systems (e.g., Deltek, QuickBooks, Monograph, Ajera, or similar A/E platforms).
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, modeling, dashboards).
Project Financial Support
Demonstrated experience partnering with project managers to maintain budgets, track profitability, and improve forecasting accuracy.
Leadership & Communication
Ability to lead accounting staff, mentor junior team members, and collaborate across departments.
Strong communication skills with the ability to convey financial information clearly to non-financial staff.
Professional Integrity
Strong ethical standards, confidentiality, and a commitment to accuracy and transparency.