Controller (BDO Government Services)

BDO USA•Grand Rapids, MI

4d•$125,000 - $220,000

About The Position

The BDO GS Controller will serve as a foundational leader within our finance team, responsible for the integrity of our financial reporting, robust internal controls, and strategic financial operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative projects, including significant ERP modernization and system migrations, while ensuring the highest standards of financial accuracy and compliance. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver, a skilled communicator, and a proven leader capable of navigating the complexities of a fast-paced professional services landscape. This role is for a leader who is willing to dive into the details while maintaining a strategic perspective.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; focus in accounting or Finance, preferred
Eight (8) or more years of progressive experience in senior-level accounting or finance leadership roles, required, with a significant portion in a professional services or project-based organization, preferred
Proven expertise in GAAP, particularly ASC 606 revenue recognition, and strong experience with project accounting/job cost accounting, preferred
Experience with a company with revenue size of at least $750 million, preferred
Demonstrated experience in leading significant financial system implementations or migrations (e.g., NetSuite to Unanet), including process redesign and optimization, preferred
Deep understanding and experience with internal controls, financial compliance, and audit management, preferred
Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to execution, preferred
Strong leadership capabilities with a proven track record of building, mentoring, and developing high-performing finance teams, preferred
Experience with a multi-entity / multi-currency company, preferred
CPA or MBA, strongly preferred
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, required
Displays superior verbal and written communication skills
Capable of working and communicating effectively with professionals at all levels
Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects / tasks with an attention to detail
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
Proficient in utilization of data entry skills and Microsoft Excel
Possesses superior customer service skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization

Nice To Haves

focus in accounting or Finance, preferred
significant portion in a professional services or project-based organization, preferred
Proven expertise in GAAP, particularly ASC 606 revenue recognition, and strong experience with project accounting/job cost accounting, preferred
Experience with a company with revenue size of at least $750 million, preferred
Demonstrated experience in leading significant financial system implementations or migrations (e.g., NetSuite to Unanet), including process redesign and optimization, preferred
Deep understanding and experience with internal controls, financial compliance, and audit management, preferred
Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to execution, preferred
Strong leadership capabilities with a proven track record of building, mentoring, and developing high-performing finance teams, preferred
Experience with a multi-entity / multi-currency company, preferred
CPA or MBA, strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Acts as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, working with FP&A and Project Management, provide insightful financial analysis, and strategic recommendations
Provides proactive guidance to support business growth and operational efficiency within a project-based framework
Responsible for all aspects of financial reporting, including accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, consolidated financial statements, and compliance with GAAP (including ASC 606 revenue recognition)
Ensures adherence to all regulatory requirements and internal controls
Manages comprehensive general ledger activities, including account reconciliations and chart of accounts maintenance
Prepares and presents insightful financial reporting packages: income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and critical professional services KPIs (backlog, revenue, margin, utilization, project profitability)
Manages back-office accounting activities, including GL, AP, AR, Project Accounting
Manages Shared Services relationship with BDO USA, including but not limited to Treasury, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and General Ledger support.
Leads and manages critical financial system initiatives, including ERP modernization projects (e.g., migration from NetSuite to Unanet), process optimization, and automation efforts to enhance efficiency and scalability
Drives best practices in project accounting, job cost accounting, and project profitability analysis
Ensures accurate tracking, reporting, and management of project-related financial data
Develops, implements, and monitors robust internal control frameworks to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity
Coordinates and manages external audits, ensuring seamless execution and timely resolution of findings
Monitors and manages cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to support operational needs and strategic investments
Develops and implements strategies for optimal financial resource utilization
Recruits, mentors, and develops a high-performing finance and accounting team
Fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth
Monitors and provides performance feedback of all personnel reporting to this position
Ensures all direct reports are effectively trained on systems and processes
Assists direct reports with prioritization of workload, communications, etc. and delegates work assignments to direct reports as appropriate