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API Partners, LLC

Financial Controller - Engineering Practice

API Partners, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30383

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Financial Controller - Engineering Practice Base pay range: $120,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yr

This award-winning structural engineering firm, highly regarded nationally for its technical excellence and creative solutions, is seeking a Financial Controller to lead firmwide accounting and financial operations. The Financial Controller will have the opportunity to shape a firmwide financial infrastructure that supports scalable growth within a collaborative and entrepreneurial leadership team that values innovation, operational rigor, and strategic thinking. The firm’s extensive design portfolio encompasses civic + cultural, corporate + commercial, education + science, hospitality + residential, and healthcare projects across the U.S.

THE OPPORTUNITY Reporting to the CFO, the Financial Controller will lead the accounting function and play a central role in shaping the firm's financial strategy and operations. This is a high-visibility, strategic position that combines hands‑on technical expertise with forward-thinking leadership. The Financial Controller will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and implement scalable processes aligned with the firm's expanding portfolio.

The ideal candidate combines hands‑on financial expertise with strategic leadership. They will manage all finance operations, including AP/AR, payroll, general ledger management, and contract accounting, while establishing systems for reporting and forecasting. Beyond operational excellence, the Financial Controller is a trusted advisor to leadership, analyzing trends in project performance, client payments, and repeat business, while providing actionable insights to support decision-making across the firm's diverse portfolio and multiple offices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger management, financial reporting, reconciliations, and project-based accounting

Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership, providing insight into financial performance, project profitability, cashflow management, and long-term planning

Continuously evaluate and improve financial reporting tools and dashboards, leveraging technology to enhance data-driven decision-making

Prepare timely financial statements, variance analyses, and management reports that provide actionable insights for firm leadership

Assess current financial frameworks and workflows, identifying opportunities for improvement, standardization, and scalability

Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and forecasting areas for process enhancement

Recommend, design, and implement scalable accounting systems, controls, and processes that support growth and optimize resource allocation

Refine methods for collecting financial information to ensure accuracy and timeliness

Supervise and mentor the accounting team, fostering a high-performing culture and promoting best practices

Oversee project billing, invoicing, and collections, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across all project accounting needs

Collaborate with external advisors on tax filings, year-end close, and regulatory compliance, in alignment with firm goals and timelines

Liaise with HR on payroll, benefits, and other staff-related payments, providing oversight and support as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

8–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in an AEC practice

Proven experience managing, mentoring, and developing accounting teams

Strong proficiency with Deltek Vantagepoint or similar AEC project-based accounting systems, with the ability to leverage technology for reporting, forecasting, and process improvement

Forward-thinking approach with experience implementing scalable improvements to optimize workflows, enhance operational efficiency, and support organizational growth

Ability to balance hands‑on accounting responsibilities with high-level advisory and strategic planning functions

Experienced with GAAP and project-based accounting

Excellent analytical and problem solving skills with strong attention to detail

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively partner with firm leadership, project teams, and external advisors

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