Project Controller

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.

The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

We are seeking a Project Controller to join our Strategic Advisory team. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, highly driven person with a well-rounded skill set to in a controller role but in a unique scenario servicing dozens of clients in a wide range of industries; think of this as a consulting controller role. The ideal person for this role will have strong process and people management skills, and possess analytical, technology, communication, and organizational skills. We are a fast paced, nationwide practice and it’s a great time to join our dynamic, collaborative, and growing team. This is primarily an in-office role and will report to our Solana Beach location in North County San Diego.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the accounting team, fostering accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and a positive, solutions-oriented culture.
• Serve as a consulting controller and trusted advisor to clients, executives, attorneys, bankers, and other stakeholders across multiple industries.
• Support accounting team collaboration with project teams from inception to wind-down.
• Own accurate and timely month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliations, review controls, and monthly, quarterly, and annual analysis.
• Prepare and deliver accurate consolidated financial statements, management reporting, forecasts, and other analyses tailored to project and client needs.
• Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash operations, and treasury activities across multiple concurrent engagements.
• Maintain strong financial controls and data integrity; research and resolve complex accounting matters in accordance with U.S. GAAP and applicable requirements.
• Manage treasury activities, including account setup, cash management, compliance, forecasting, and security.
• Assess, design, and improve accounting processes, department structure, reporting workflows, and internal controls.
• Lead change effectively, communicate clear expectations, and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.
• Collaborate with Technology Services, Human Resources, Marketing, and other corporate functions to support client engagements and business objectives.
• Apply experience with real estate holding and operating companies, including active commercial, residential, and mixed-use portfolios, as engagement needs require.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; master’s degree in accounting or CPA license helpful but not required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least five years leading accounting or finance teams.
• Strong controller-level experience across close, financial reporting, general ledger, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and internal controls.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including U.S. GAAP, with a demonstrated commitment to financial accuracy, completeness, and timely reporting.
• Experience managing, coaching, and developing teams while promoting accountability, collaboration, and a positive attitude.
• Consultative mindset and experience building trusted-advisor relationships with executives, business decision-makers, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with sound professional judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements, evolving responsibilities, and changing scopes of work in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to learn and use financial systems effectively.
• Collaborative, service-oriented approach and a genuine desire to contribute to a mission-driven team.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA and/or MBA.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Yardi or comparable enterprise financial systems.
• Experience in a large professional services firm.
• Experience supporting real estate holding companies, operating companies, or active real estate portfolios.
• Warmth, authenticity, curiosity, and genuine concern for colleagues and clients.

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications

• Ability to perform mathematical computations and analyze financial information for extended periods.
• Ability to review detailed transactions and supporting documentation with sustained accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a professional office environment and adapt to changing engagement demands.
• Availability for occasional evening or weekend work based on client or project needs.
• Minimal travel may be required.

Some of the Benefits We Have Include

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team’s needs.

• Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed
• Flexible Time Off policy
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k Match
• Commuter Benefit

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $120k - $150k. Any offered salary range is based on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.

Please explore what we’re all about at www.jsheld.com.

EEO and Job Accommodations

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering.

J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please email [email protected]. Include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject line, along with your request and contact information.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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