What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Controller position at Populous?
Location: Kansas City
Who We Are
We design places where people love to be together.
Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.
We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.
What We Offer
Professional & Personal Development Programs Summer Hours Hybrid Schedule On-Site Gym Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams Wedding Pay Charitable Match Program Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.
Who We Are Looking For
The Assistant Controller of the Americas Region will support the firm’s accounting operations and play a key role in financial reporting, budgeting, project accounting, and cash flow management. This position is well-suited for a highly skilled accounting professional with a strong attention to detail and a collaborative mindset. Working closely with a team of accountants, the individual will ensure the timely and accurate delivery of financial data to support strategic decision-making across the firm.
This is a newly created role driven by the firm’s continued growth, making it a critical position within the organization. Operating in a fast-paced environment, the Assistant Controller will lead a team of approximately eight professionals and report directly to the Corporate Controller - Americas Region. This role also presents a strong growth trajectory, with the potential to advance into the Americas Corporate Controller.
What Your Day Could Consist Of
No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company
No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD C
Find us here - https://populous.com/careers
Instagram: @WeArePopulous
X: @Populous
Who We Are
We design places where people love to be together.
Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.
We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.
What We Offer
Professional & Personal Development Programs Summer Hours Hybrid Schedule On-Site Gym Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams Wedding Pay Charitable Match Program Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.
Who We Are Looking For
The Assistant Controller of the Americas Region will support the firm’s accounting operations and play a key role in financial reporting, budgeting, project accounting, and cash flow management. This position is well-suited for a highly skilled accounting professional with a strong attention to detail and a collaborative mindset. Working closely with a team of accountants, the individual will ensure the timely and accurate delivery of financial data to support strategic decision-making across the firm.
This is a newly created role driven by the firm’s continued growth, making it a critical position within the organization. Operating in a fast-paced environment, the Assistant Controller will lead a team of approximately eight professionals and report directly to the Corporate Controller - Americas Region. This role also presents a strong growth trajectory, with the potential to advance into the Americas Corporate Controller.
What Your Day Could Consist Of
- Assist the Controller in overseeing day-to-day accounting functions, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations.
- Assume full ownership of the accounting function, including the consolidation of financials across multiple countries and entities within the Americas.
- Ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all accounting operations and financial reporting.
- Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP, IFRS, or other relevant accounting standards.
- Oversee project-based financial reporting, including job costing, revenue recognition, and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting.
- Conduct detailed financial reviews to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Determine the timing and method of revenue recognition in accordance with accounting policies.
- Assist in the preparation of tax filings and annual audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Manage external audit and tax engagements to ensure adherence to corporate compliance standards.
- Maintain and enforce internal financial controls, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency and regulatory compliance.
- Assist in managing the firm’s budgeting and forecasting processes, working closely with department heads and senior leadership.
- Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Prepare and review month-end reports, including management reports, marketing expenses, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
- Oversee cash flow forecasting and management, ensuring sufficient liquidity for operational needs.
- Provide training, mentorship, and support to the accounting team, including junior staff accountants.
- Review and approve general ledger adjustments, financial surveys, and other critical financial data.
- Oversee payroll operations, including payroll-related adjustments and reconciliations.
- Support the administration and optimization of the Deltek ERP system, including assisting in ERP system migration.
- Lead financial improvements and process enhancements for greater efficiency and accuracy.
- Collaborate with project managers and senior leadership to ensure financial aspects of projects remain on track, including tracking billings, payments, and budget variances.
- Act as the secondary financial leader in the absence of the Controller, providing continuity in financial oversight.
- Support ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting as requested by the Controller or senior leadership.
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, month-end close, group consolidation, tax, payroll, and treasury operations.
- Proficiency in Deltek Vision or Vantagepoint preferred.
- Advanced Excel skills and financial modeling capabilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with keen attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret financial data and communicate insights effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
- Proven ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Implementation of ASC 606 and compliance with US GAAP.
- Multi-company and multi-currency reporting exposure.
- Industry-specific project accounting experience, including percentage-of-completion accounting within engineering, construction, or architecture sectors.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in public accounting or as an Assistant Controller (or equivalent) in a project-based professional services firm (e.g., architecture, construction, or design).
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience managing accounting teams.
- Travel will be required.
- Overtime may be necessary.
No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company
No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD C
Find us here - https://populous.com/careers
Instagram: @WeArePopulous
X: @Populous
