Controller

Horner & Shifrin•Saint Louis, MO

24d•$130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Horner & Shifrin is hiring a Controller to strengthen its finance function. Reporting to the President and working closely with the accounting team, the Controller is responsible for the accuracy, timeliness, and usefulness of the firm’s financial information. This hands-on technical role focuses on developing project accounting and internal controls, turning Vantagepoint data into actionable insights for project managers and business unit leaders, and scaling processes to support a growing, multi-state, employee-owned engineering firm. The role may take on broader leadership responsibilities as the firm grows. The Controller oversees accounting operations and financial reporting; leads budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis; coordinates audits, tax, compliance, and corporate governance; and mentors accounting staff while improving departmental systems and processes. A bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance is required, and an advanced degree is preferred. The target salary range is $130,000 to $160,000, with compensation based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

Requirements

15 or more years of progressive accounting or finance experience; candidates with 10 or more years and controller-level experience will be considered.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance.
Thorough knowledge of GAAP, including revenue recognition for long-term, project-based contracts.
Strong analytical and communication skills, including the ability to translate financial data into clear direction for technical and non-technical leaders.
Experience with ERP or accounting systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising or mentoring accounting staff.
Controller or senior accounting experience in an architecture, engineering, consulting, or other project-based professional services firm.
Experience with ERP or accounting systems in a project-based or professional services environment.
Experience in an employee-owned (ESOP) company.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Advanced degree.

Responsibilities

Ensure the accuracy and integrity of general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, billing, collections, and financial reporting.
Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
Develop financial analyses, forecasts, dashboards, and key performance indicators for executive decision-making.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations, and maintain internal controls and financial processes that safeguard company assets.
Lead the monthly and year-end close, including revenue recognition and work-in-progress reporting.
Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting with the President and business unit leaders.
Monitor performance against budget and recommend corrective actions.
Analyze profitability, utilization, overhead rates, labor multipliers, and project performance at firm, business unit, and project levels.
Support strategic initiatives through financial modeling and business analysis.
Develop the capital expenditure budget and oversee capital equipment purchases.
Coordinate annual audits and serve as a primary contact for external auditors, financial institutions, and tax advisors.
Support ESOP administration, including annual share valuation, coordination with the trustee and plan administrator, and repurchase obligation planning.
Maintain corporate records and regulatory filings, prepare Board of Directors meeting minutes, and serve as Assistant Corporate Secretary.
Manage business insurance programs and review project contractual insurance requirements.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax obligations, including multi-state filings.
Mentor Accounting Department staff on technical accounting practices, controls, and Vantagepoint best practices.
Evaluate departmental processes and systems and implement improvements that increase efficiency and data clarity.
Foster accountability, collaboration, accuracy, and customer service.
Perform other duties as assigned.