We are looking for an accomplished Controller to lead financial operations and strengthen accounting practices for our organization in Santa Barbara, California. This role will guide a multi-function accounting team, deliver reliable financial reporting, and provide insight that supports business planning and long-term objectives. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, a solid background in project-based accounting, and the ability to improve systems, processes, and overall financial performance. Responsibilities: • Provide direction, coaching, and performance leadership to accounting professionals across project accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and collections. • Partner with senior leaders and business stakeholders to align financial strategies with organizational goals and support key planning initiatives. • Build and oversee annual budgets, planning frameworks, and financial models that help guide operational and strategic decisions. • Produce complete and accurate monthly and annual financial statements while ensuring an efficient and well-controlled close process. • Monitor liquidity needs by evaluating cash position, preparing forecasts, and identifying trends that may affect financial stability. • Identify opportunities to strengthen reporting tools, streamline workflows, and elevate accounting best practices through process and technology improvements. • Support financial oversight for project-based work by ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of project performance. • Use data analysis and reporting tools, including advanced spreadsheet capabilities, to deliver actionable financial insight to leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required. • At least 10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including 5 to 6 years serving in a Controller capacity. • Hands-on experience with project accounting is required. • Proven success developing teams, mentoring staff, and fostering strong departmental performance. • Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and communication skills are essential. • Experience with annual budgeting, financial reporting, month-end close, cash flow analysis, forecasting, and financial statement preparation is required. • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is expected. • Experience with Unanet or prior work in architecture, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, planning, or prevailing wage environments is preferred.

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Santa Barbara, CA
onsite
Permanent / Full Time
120000 - 150000 USD / Yearly
We are looking for an accomplished Controller to lead financial operations and strengthen accounting practices for our organization in Santa Barbara, California. This role will guide a multi-function accounting team, deliver reliable financial reporting, and provide insight that supports business planning and long-term objectives. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, a solid background in project-based accounting, and the ability to improve systems, processes, and overall financial performance. Responsibilities: • Provide direction, coaching, and performance leadership to accounting professionals across project accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and collections. • Partner with senior leaders and business stakeholders to align financial strategies with organizational goals and support key planning initiatives. • Build and oversee annual budgets, planning frameworks, and financial models that help guide operational and strategic decisions. • Produce complete and accurate monthly and annual financial statements while ensuring an efficient and well-controlled close process. • Monitor liquidity needs by evaluating cash position, preparing forecasts, and identifying trends that may affect financial stability. • Identify opportunities to strengthen reporting tools, streamline workflows, and elevate accounting best practices through process and technology improvements. • Support financial oversight for project-based work by ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of project performance. • Use data analysis and reporting tools, including advanced spreadsheet capabilities, to deliver actionable financial insight to leadership.
2026-10-15T00:00:00Z

Controller Job in Santa Barbara, CA | Robert Half