Controller in Tempe, Arizona at Alta E&I

Job Title: Controller

About Alta E&I

250 employees across the state. We’re 100% Arizona owned and managed, which means you’ll never feel like a number here. Our team delivers a full spectrum of services - civil engineering, surveying, geotechnical and materials testing, environmental, and EHS - giving you exposure to many paths and projects.

Alta is big enough to offer opportunities, and advanced technology - yet small enough that you’ll know your team, see your impact, and have leadership that knows you.

We’re proud to be a trusted partner to some of the nation’s largest corporations, developers, and public agencies - helping to build the future, while also protecting it through environmental stewardship and sustainable solutions.

General Summary:

We are seeking an ambitious and business-minded Controller who is excited by growth, operational improvement, and leadership development. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role offers substantial visibility with executive leadership and a clear opportunity to expand responsibilities as Alta continues to grow. For the right individual, this position can serve as a stepping stone to broader finance leadership opportunities within the organization.

The Controller is responsible for the overall management of Alta's accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, billing, payroll oversight, cash management, and compliance activities. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this role will lead the accounting team and serve as a key business partner to operational leaders across the company.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with experience in project-based professional services organizations. This individual is detail-oriented, process-driven, and capable of building scalable financial systems and reporting structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll oversight, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage monthly close processes and ensure adherence to established timelines.
• Oversee project accounting processes and revenue recognition for engineering, environmental, surveying, and testing service lines.
• Ensure contract compliance and accurate client invoicing.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
• Coordinate annual financial reviews and support tax accountants.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
• Monitor accounts receivable collections and billing performance.
• Support banking relationships and treasury management activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience managing month-end and year-end close processes.
• Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks Enterprise and Deltek ERP systems.

Preferred

• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Experience in engineering, environmental consulting, architecture, construction, or other project-based professional services industries.
• Familiarity with project accounting, percentage-of-completion and professional services revenue recognition.
• Experience leading accounting teams through growth and process improvements.

Why Alta?

See your impact.

How many people can drive by a highway, school, or major company and say, “I helped build that?”

At Alta, every employee can. The work we do is visible in the infrastructure communities rely on every day.

We’re passionate about developing people. Many of our leaders began their journey in entry level positions, and worked their way up into management. We invest in you from day one with hands-on training, paid certifications, and mentorship to help you progress in your career.

Working at Alta means:

• Career mobility: clear paths to grow into leadership roles.
• Multi-disciplinary exposure: civil, survey, geotechnical, materials testing, environmental, EHS, etc.
• Investment in you: paid certifications and ongoing training.
• Culture of belonging: supportive teams where your work is recognized.

• Impact you can see: the chance to contribute to projects that define communities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Flexible work environment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT. It is the policy of Alta E&I not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.