Controller, Finance & Accounting

$150,000 - $170,000/Yr

HR&A Advisors - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

New York, NY

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

HR&A Advisors, Inc. (HR&A) is an employee-owned company that provides advisory services to public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic clients, focusing on enhancing opportunities and improving quality of life in urban settings. The firm is dedicated to creating vibrant places, building equitable and resilient communities, and enhancing the lives of individuals. With a global reach, HR&A has successfully guided numerous clients in transforming real estate and economic development concepts into actionable plans that yield job-producing and community-strengthening assets. The firm serves a diverse clientele, including real estate owners, hospitals, universities, cultural institutions, community development organizations, and government entities. HR&A operates from multiple offices across the United States, including Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh, and Washington D.C. The Finance and Accounting team at HR&A plays a vital role in the organization, handling all aspects of financial transaction processing, banking, budgeting, compliance, and financial analysis and reporting. This team is integral to the Growth, People, and Operations (GPO) centralized corporate organization. The Controller position is crucial for managing the accounting team and overseeing financial transaction processing, vendor management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash management, reporting, and compliance functions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in accounting, particularly within a professional services firm, and will be responsible for building processes and structures to support HR&A's growth. The Controller will manage daily activities of the Finance and Accounting function, ensuring client invoicing meets revenue targets, monitoring receivables, processing accounts payable, and managing cash analysis and liquidity. They will also oversee journal entries, ledgers, and ensure timely completion of accounting processes. The role includes managing the firm's annual financial audit, tax preparations, and compliance with the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The successful candidate will be expected to stay informed about industry trends and changes in accounting regulations to ensure compliance and provide tools and reports to help internal teams meet financial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage the accounting team and oversee all financial transaction processing, including accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Monitor and report on receivables and support collections to meet revenue targets.
• Process accounts payable, manage expense controls, and oversee contractor and employee expense reimbursements.
• Conduct cash analysis, reporting, and liquidity management.
• Coordinate with client service teams and corporate functions to ensure seamless financial operations.
• Manage, coach, develop, evaluate, and grow members of the Finance and Accounting function.
• Oversee all journal entries, ledgers, and chart of accounts with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ensure timely completion of periodic accounting processes such as closing the books and account reconciliations.
• Own and manage the firm's core accounting and financial processing systems, ensuring optimal configuration and functionality.
• Develop and maintain internal controls for data, access, and security.
• Manage the firm's annual financial audit and liaise with external auditors.
• Oversee tax preparations and ensure compliance with filing deadlines and requirements.
• Manage compliance requirements for the firm's Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• 10 - 14 years of increasing levels of experience with accounting responsibility.
• 3 - 5 years of experience as a Controller or Director of Accounting.
• CPA certification and mastery of GAAP accounting standards.
• Experience managing people and accounting functions.
• Demonstrated expertise in the use, configuration, and optimization of accounting systems for financial services organizations.
• Strong analytical, project management, and team management capabilities.
• Ability to apply structured problem-solving to complex issues and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a professional services firm.
• Familiarity with financial compliance and reporting standards.
• Knowledge of industry trends and changes in accounting regulations.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Stock options
• Vision insurance