Controller: Role Overview, Responsibilities & 2025 Salary Data
Controllers manage day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance for AEC firms. They oversee accounting staff, ensure accurate financial statements, and support project profitability analysis.
What Does a Controller Do?
Controllers manage day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance for AEC firms. They oversee accounting staff, ensure accurate financial statements, and support project profitability analysis.
What Does a Controller Responsible For?
- Manage daily accounting operations and staff
- Oversee month-end and year-end close processes
- Prepare financial statements and management reports
- Manage accounts payable, receivable, and payroll
- Analyze project profitability and billing
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and tax regulations
- Coordinate annual audits and tax filings
- Implement accounting policies and internal controls
Controller Qualifications & Requirements
Technical Skills
- •GAAP and financial reporting
- •Project-based accounting (Deltek, Unanet, Ajera)
- •Accounting systems and ERP platforms
- •Month-end and year-end close processes
- •Financial analysis and project profitability
- •Audit coordination
- •Tax compliance
- •Excel and financial modeling
Professional Competencies
- •Leadership and team management
- •Analytical and problem-solving skills
- •Attention to detail and accuracy
- •Communication with non-financial stakeholders
- •Process improvement mindset
- •Time management and deadline orientation
- •Collaboration across departments
Education & Certifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
Certifications:
CPA preferred; CMA a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- +7-15 years of accounting experience with progressive responsibilities
- +Experience in professional services or AEC industry
- +Supervisory or management experience
- +Knowledge of project-based accounting
Controller Market Outlook
Path to Financial Leadership
Controllers can advance to CFO, VP of Finance, or partner-track roles in AEC firms. Some specialize in operational finance or transition to consulting.
Typical Career Progression:
Sample Job Description Templates
Controller
Position Overview
Oversee accounting operations and financial reporting for our growing AEC firm. Manage accounting team, ensure accurate financials, and support leadership with strategic analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- •Manage accounting staff and daily operations
- •Oversee month-end and year-end close processes
- •Prepare financial statements and management reports
- •Analyze project profitability and billing metrics
- •Coordinate annual audits and tax filings
- •Implement internal controls and accounting policies
- •Support budgeting and forecasting processes
Requirements
- •Bachelor's degree in Accounting; CPA preferred
- •8-12 years of progressive accounting experience
- •3+ years in supervisory or management role
- •Experience with project-based accounting systems (Deltek, Unanet)
- •Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting
- •AEC or professional services experience highly valued
- •Leadership and communication skills
Controller Salary Ranges (2025)
$110,000
Entry Level: $85K – $100K
Mid Level: $100K – $130K
Senior Level: $130K – $165K+
Salaries vary by experience, location, company size, and specialization.
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