Partner Engineering & Science

Assistant Controller

Partner Engineering & Science$150K — $180K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active CPA license required
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting (Master's preferred)
  • 8+ years of progressive accounting experience
  • Experience in public accounting or complex industry environments
  • Proven leadership skills managing teams of 5+ accounting professionals
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, consolidations, and technical accounting
  • Ability to handle both detailed execution and high-level decision-making

Responsibilities

  • Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes
  • Review and approve journal entries and reconciliations
  • Prepare consolidated financial statements in line with U.S. GAAP
  • Lead variance analysis and collaborate with FP&A and Operations
  • Manage accounting for foreign subsidiaries and cross-entity consolidation
  • Oversee accounting for a high-volume contract environment
  • Lead external audit preparation and ensure effective internal controls

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous vacation and sick time
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Access to a discretionary incentive bonus program
Full Job Description
SUMMARY

The Assistant Controller is a senior, hands-on accounting leader responsible for the execution, quality, and continuous improvement of financial reporting and accounting operations across a complex, multi-entity and multinational organization. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong people leadership, and the confidence to make and support judgment-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment.

This position partners closely with the Controller, takes day-to-day ownership of core accounting functions, and plays a critical role in strengthening processes, developing talent, and preparing the organization for continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close Ownership
  • Take primary ownership of the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
  • Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, consolidation entries, and supporting schedules
  • Prepare and review consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP
  • Lead variance analyses and partner with FP&A and Operations to explain results
  • Identify recurring close issues and drive durable solutions that improve accuracy and speed

International & Multi-Entity Accounting
  • Own accounting oversight for foreign subsidiaries with differing functional currencies
  • Review FX remeasurement, translation, and consolidation adjustments
  • Manage intercompany accounting, eliminations, and settlement processes across legal entities
  • Ensure consistent accounting application across domestic and international entities

Senior Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead and develop an accounting organization of at least five professionals across multiple levels
  • Set clear expectations for quality, deadlines, and ownership, particularly during close
  • Review staff and manager work product; provide coaching on both technical matters and professional judgment
  • Act as a trusted escalation point for complex accounting issues and decisions
  • Build depth and succession within the accounting team

Complex, High-Volume Operating Environment
  • Oversee accounting in a high-volume, low-dollar contract environment
  • Ensure revenue and expense recognition reflect contractual terms and economic substance
  • Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Operations, FP&A, and IT to resolve accounting implications of business activity
  • Identify where processes need structure versus flexibility and implement pragmatic improvements

Tax & Entity Structure Support
  • Oversee accounting considerations related to a complex S-corporation structure with 80+ shareholders
  • Support accounting impacts of multi-state tax nexus across approximately 40 states
  • Partner with external tax advisors to ensure accounting, compliance, and reporting are aligned
  • Review accounting positions that require coordination between tax and financial reporting

Audit, Controls & Risk Management
  • Lead accounting preparation for external audits, including review of audit schedules and PBC materials
  • Serve as a key point of contact for auditors on accounting matters
  • Ensure internal controls are operating effectively and evolve with business complexity
  • Proactively identify risk areas and implement controls that balance rigor and efficiency

Required Qualifications
  • Active CPA license (required)
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field (Master's preferred)
  • 8+ years of progressive accounting experience
  • Experience in public accounting and/or complex industry environments
  • Proven experience managing and developing teams of 5 or more accounting professionals
  • Strong command of U.S. GAAP, consolidations, and technical accounting
  • Ability to operate comfortably in both detailed execution and higher-level review and decision-making

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with international subsidiaries and foreign currency accounting
  • Exposure to pass-through entities, shareholder reporting, and multi-state tax environments
  • Background in high-transaction-volume or contract-driven businesses
  • Strong process mindset with the ability to improve systems without over-engineering
  • Executive-caliber communication skills and comfort partnering with senior leadership

Why This Role

This is an opportunity for a seasoned accounting professional who wants meaningful ownership, technical depth, and people leadership without leaving the work behind. The Assistant Controller will play a central role in maintaining accounting rigor while helping evolve the function alongside the business.

COMPENSATION

Salary range: $150,000 - $180,000. This is what we reasonably expect to pay for the role

The pay scale for this role considers a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note, the disclosed pay scale estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic location where the position may be filled.

You may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary incentive bonus program which is dependent on various factors, including, but not limited to individual and organizational performance.

BENEFITS

Competitive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation and sick time, and a 401(k) plan with a company match.

About Partner Engineering & Science

Partner Engineering and Science is an engineering consulting firm that provides environmental, engineering, and energy assessments and consulting services. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Brea, California. Partner Engineering and Science serves clients in various industries, including real estate, finance, and construction. The company has offices throughout the United States and has completed projects in over 50 countries. Partner Engineering and Science is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Learn more about Partner Engineering & Science
Size
1,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2007

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