Director of Finance/Controller

Description

Join a team where design meets purpose. At RLF, our mission is to create high-performing environments that inspire and nurture the human spirit. For over 90 years, we have been a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, and interior design firm. With a focus on healthcare and federal projects, we deliver impactful, innovative spaces that shape communities and improve lives. We create exceptional places for extraordinary people. 

We’re a passionate, collaborative team that values excellence, relationships, and fun. If you're looking to make a difference through meaningful work, let’s build something great together. 

The Controller serves as the firm’s senior accounting and finance leader and is responsible for the integrity of the firm’s financial operations, reporting, controls, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and accounting team. This position reports to the CEO and partners closely with executive and operational leadership to provide financial insight, support sound decision-making, and strengthen the firm’s financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the firm’s senior accounting and finance leader, providing accurate financial information, sound financial guidance, and practical recommendations to the executive leadership team.
• Lead and oversee all accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures that safeguard firm assets and support accurate, timely reporting.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and general ledger structure to support effective financial, project, departmental, and cost reporting.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring financial reporting deadlines are met and results are accurate, complete, and compliant with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Prepare and consolidate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, forecasts, and related financial analyses.
• Lead the firm’s annual budgeting and forecasting processes in partnership with executive leadership and operational leaders.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance against budget, forecast, and prior-year results, identifying key trends, risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.
• Provide executive leadership with clear, timely insights regarding financial performance, cash flow, profitability, operating results, and business conditions.
• Monitor project financial performance, including revenue recognition, work in progress, backlog, utilization, project profitability, and related professional services metrics.
• Partner with operational leaders to improve their understanding and use of financial information when making staffing, project, pricing, and business decisions.
• Develop and maintain financial and operational benchmarks for divisions, departments, offices, and other areas of the firm.
• Lead cash flow planning and cash management activities, including monitoring liquidity requirements and supporting banking and treasury relationships.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax schedules, and other external financial reviews, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and other financial partners.
• Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and all applicable local, state, and federal financial reporting, tax, and filing requirements.
• Evaluate financial results, costs, margins, and operating trends and provide recommendations to improve efficiency, profitability, and financial performance.
• Identify and implement improvements to accounting processes, workflows, reporting practices, and the use of financial resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy and control.
• Lead the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of accounting and financial systems, reporting tools, and related technology.
• Remain current on accounting standards, financial technology, and industry practices and recommend appropriate improvements to the firm’s systems and processes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members while fostering accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required to meet project deadlines and business needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience.
• CPA, CMA, or Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills.
• Experience in a professional services environment such as architecture, engineering, consulting, construction, or similar industries preferred.
• Experience with project-based accounting, percentage-of-completion and/or revenue recognition, work-in-progress reporting, utilization, and project profitability analysis preferred.
• Experience managing the month-end and year-end close processes and preparing GAAP-compliant financial statements.
• Demonstrated experience developing budgets, forecasts, financial models, and management reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll, general ledger accounting, and internal controls.
• Excellent verbal and written communication including effective listening, comprehension, and nonverbal communication. 
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across departments while  influencing decisions through financial insight.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality
• Must possess a high level of emotional intelligence. 
• Capacity to manage pressure and perform effectively in a dynamic work setting.
• Proficient with MS Office.
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint, Deltek Vision, BST, or other project-based ERP systems. 
• Familiar with other software such as Bluebeam, HCM/HRIS systems, etc. strongly preferred. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences.

Why join us?

• Flexible Work Schedules 
• Hybrid office (In-office T, W, Th; WFH M, F)
• PTO and holidays
• Paid Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Short & Long-Term Disability
• Paid Life and AD&D benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Life and Ancillary Insurance Options
• Professional Certification Reimbursement
• Professional Organization Membership Reimbursement
• Wellness Incentives
• Tuition Assistance
• Student Loan Assistance
• Identity Theft Plan and Legal Plan
• Volunteer Time Off
• Pet Insurance 

Amount of Travel Required

This position may require occasional travel, some of which may be international. 

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

RLF conducts background checks and drug screening after an offer of employment has been made. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by RLF or an RLF client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed RLF Placement Agreement from the Director of Human Resources to receive payment for placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the RLF staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to RLF, and any resume submitted to any employee outside of RLF Human Resources, will be considered property of RLF. RLF will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Visa Sponsorship

RLF is not accepting applications for sponsorship at this time (e.g., H-1B or TN Visas). 

EEO Statement

RLF is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful work environment. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. RLF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.