What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Controller position at BKF Engineers?
BKF is seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Assistant Controller to lead day-to-day accounting operations and support the Corporate Controller in maintaining accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. This role is responsible for managing the monthly close, preparing full three-statement financials, and supervising a five-person accounting team overseeing general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, multi-state payroll (including union payroll), and fixed assets. The position also plays a key role in policy development, internal control practices, and compliance initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a CPA with strong GAAP knowledge, experience in the AEC industry, familiarity with project-based accounting, and an understanding of FAR compliance. Proficiency in Excel and the ability to manage multiple priorities, ad hoc reporting, and complex payroll operations are essential.
Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Close & Reporting
- Lead the monthly and year-end close process, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and internal reporting deliverables.
- Prepare and review complete financial statements, including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement, in accordance with GAAP.
- Respond to ad hoc financial reporting needs and support management with financial analysis and insights.
Cash Flow Management
- Monitor daily cash activity and assist with short-term cash forecasting to ensure adequate liquidity and working capital support.
Team Leadership
- Supervise and mentor a team of five accounting professionals responsible for general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, multi-state and union payroll, and fixed assets.
- Oversee task assignments, staff performance management, and professional development.
Compliance & Policy Development
- Maintain and enforce accounting policies and internal controls in alignment with GAAP.
- Assist in drafting, implementing, and documenting financial policies and procedures.
- Prepare the annual FAR indirect cost rate report in compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and support audit readiness.
- Support accounting system administration (Deltek Vision preferred) and UKG payroll systems, including upload and download data, process improvements, testing, and user training.
Audit & Regulatory Support
- Prepare schedules and supporting documentation for external financial audits, FAR overhead audits, benefit plan audits, and other compliance-related engagements.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry
- Understanding of FAR compliance and preparation of indirect cost rate reports
- Familiarity with Deltek Vision or a similar ERP system
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, formulas, and data modeling
- Experience with multi-state payroll and related compliance requirements
Qualifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including team supervision
- Thorough understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and cash flow management
- Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate, GAAP-compliant three-statement financials
- Experience managing multi-state payroll, including union payroll, in a corporate environment
- Strong organizational and analytical skills; able to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and efficiency
- Proven ability to troubleshoot accounting, system, or process issues and implement practical solutions
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, proactive mindset
- The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $198,000, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salaried position paid biweekly.
- Competitive salaries, end of year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k
- BKF pays 100% of the premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage and 50% for your dependents
- 14 days of paid vacation time, 6 paid sick days, 8 paid Holidays
- Flexible schedules
- Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
- BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.
Workplace Awards:
- We’re proud to be a 2025- 2026 "Great Place To Work" certified company!
- BKF Engineers wins Zweig Group’s 2023 Trifecta Award
- Zweig "Best Firms to Work For" Top 100 in the U.S. 2023
- Bay Area News Group "Top Work Place” for 7 years in a row!
- "Best Firm to Work for North Bay" North Bay Business Journal for 8 years
BKF Engineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
BKF Engineers does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF Engineers, BKF Engineers reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.
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Salary : $140,000 - $198,000