Controller in Chicago, Illinois at Studio Gang

Studio Gang is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Controller to lead the day-to-day financial operations of our multi-office Studio. Reporting directly to the CFO/COO, the Controller serves as the Studio's senior accounting authority — owning the integrity of our financial records, the rigor of our internal controls, and the accuracy of financial reporting across domestic and international entities.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who takes genuine pride in building accurate, well-run accounting processes and who understands the unique rhythms of project-based practice in the architecture and design industry. The Controller will lead a team of 3 finance professionals and will work in close collaboration with project leaders, studio operations, and firm leadership to ensure that the Studio's financial foundation is sound, transparent, and positioned to support its continued growth.

Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Financial Close

• Own the Studio's core accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, bank reconciliations, and journal entries
• Lead timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes across all entities
• Maintain the integrity and consistency of the Studio's chart of accounts and accounting policies
• Prepare and review financial statements, balance sheets, and supporting schedules for leadership review
• Manage cash flow monitoring and weekly cash reporting in coordination with the CFO/COO

Project Accounting

• Oversee project accounting operations, including project setup, budget tracking, revenue recognition, and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting in Deltek Vantagepoint
• Partner with project leaders to ensure accurate and timely client billing, invoice preparation, and collections follow-up
• Monitor consultant and subconsultant cost tracking, ensuring proper coding and alignment with project budgets
• Produce regular project financial reporting and variance analysis to support project leadership and firm-wide profitability reviews

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve the Studio's internal control environment, accounting policies, and financial procedures
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and all applicable federal, state, and local financial reporting and tax requirements
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and legal counsel as needed for annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance
• Manage multi-state payroll processing and ensure accuracy and compliance with state and local tax obligations across all office locations

Multi-Office & International Finance

• Manage financial operations across the Studio's US offices (Chicago, New York, San Francisco) and international office (Paris), including intercompany accounting and reconciliations
• Oversee foreign currency transactions, exposure tracking, and intercompany settlements between domestic and international entities
• Support international entity compliance in coordination with external advisors familiar with French accounting and tax requirements

Systems & Reporting

• Serve as the firm's Deltek Vantagepoint accounting lead, ensuring data integrity, system configuration, and accurate financial reporting across all modules
• Develop and maintain financial reporting templates, dashboards, and close packages that give leadership a clear and current view of firm financial performance
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across the Studio's finance operations

Team Leadership

• Directly manage, mentor, and develop a team of 4–6 finance professionals, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Set clear expectations for direct reports and provide regular feedback and professional development support
• Cross-train team members to build resilience and continuity across all financial functions

Required

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with a significant portion in the architecture, engineering, or construction industry
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing a finance or accounting team
• Deep knowledge of project-based accounting principles and practices as applied in A/E/C firms, including WIP, revenue recognition, and project billing
• Experience managing financial operations across multiple states, including multi-state payroll and tax compliance
• Experience with foreign currency transactions and international entity accounting
• Proficiency in Deltek Vantagepoint or equivalent AEC-specific ERP/accounting platform
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards
• Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and financial integrity
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable working across disciplines with design professionals, project leaders, and firm leadership
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Preferred

• CPA or equivalent professional designation strongly preferred
• Experience at an architecture, planning, or design firm
• Hands-on experience with Deltek Vantagepoint system administration, reporting, and module configuration
• Experience with intercompany accounting and consolidations across US and European entities
• Familiarity with French accounting standards or experience working with international advisors on EU entity compliance

Benefits

Studio Gang provides a generous and competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as HSA and FSA options. Employees receive a minimum of 15 days of paid time off annually, with increases based on experience and tenure. The Studio also offers a 401(k) program featuring an annual Studio-sponsored Safe Harbor contribution. All employees are eligible for discretionary bonuses and profit sharing, determined by individual performance and Studio profitability.

Equal Opportunity

Studio Gang is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize the value of diversity in our workforce and consider all qualified employment applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, pregnancy, status as a parent, partnership status, protected veteran status, disability (physical or mental), or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.