Controller

About AEW

AEW is a leading design firm that has been engineering strong communities since 1968 providing civil engineering, architecture, surveying, GIS and other consulting solutions. Working with municipalities and private clients, AEW is focused on developing and growing long-term relationships with our partners, employees, and clients while maintaining our foundation of integrity and respect for the communities in which we live and work.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Controller to lead financial operations at our growing civil engineering, surveying & architectural firm.

The Controller will oversee all aspects of the company’s financial operations, ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance, and support strategic decision-making. This role requires a deep understanding of project-based financials and is ideal for a finance professional with experience in construction or professional services industry, particularly in public infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including accounting operations (payroll, A/R, A/P, general ledger, and bank reconciliations), budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports, ensuring compliance with GAAP
• Collaborate with project managers to monitor project performance
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition for various contract types (lump sum, T&M, cost-plus)
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls and process improvements
• Manage accounting software (e.g., Deltek Vantagepoint or Vision)

Public Sector Compliance

• Maintain compliance with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), 2 CFR Part 200, and other applicable federal/state guidelines
• Coordinate with external CPA firms for annual indirect cost rate audits per AASHTO and MDOT requirements
• Ensure adherence to MDOT contract accounting, reporting standards, and prequalification requirements

401(k) Retirement Plan Administration

• Administer company 401(k) plan and ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations
• Coordinate annual 401(k) audit, including collection of payroll, participant, and plan financial records
• Work with HR to manage employee eligibility, enrollment, and communications
• Ensure timely and accurate deposits of employee and employer contributions
• Support annual nondiscrimination testing and resolution of any compliance issues
• Liaise with TPAs, custodians, and external auditors for plan management and Form 5500 preparation

Internal Controls & Systems

• Implement and maintain strong internal controls and process improvements
• Ensure compliance with tax filings, regulatory deadlines, and audit requirements
• Oversee accounting software systems and support integration with project management tools
• Train and supervise accounting team members; foster professional growth and inspire greatness

Education/Experience:

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred)
• 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership in a project-based or professional services firm
• Strong knowledge of project accounting practices in the construction or engineering industries
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint/Vision, Ajera, QuickBooks, or similar ERP/accounting systems
• Familiarity with FAR, AASHTO audit guidelines, and MDOT financial processes
• Experience managing or supporting 401(k) plans administration, including annual audits and compliance filings
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organization with the ability to collaborate across departments
• Familiarity with ERISA, IRS nondiscrimination testing, and Form 5500 preparation
• Experience working with third-party administrators (TPAs), plan auditors, and retirement plan providers

Preferences:

• Experience with engineering, construction, or A/E consulting industries
• Prior work with publicly funded infrastructure contracts (state/federal)
• Experience with government audits or working with external financial consultants
• Understanding of job costing, billing rates, and indirect cost rate development
• Familiarity with insurance requirements for engineering projects

Additional Requirements for MDOT and Public Infrastructure Projects:

• Familiarity with overhead rate development, indirect cost submissions, and MDOT prequalification requirements for consultants
• Ability to manage cost-plus-fixed-fee, time-and-materials, and lump sum contract types in accordance with FAR and MDOT guidelines

Core Values

In addition to the education and experience requirements and preferences, it is imperative all employees share the company’s core values:

• Compassionate
• Dedicated
• Ethical
• Genuine
• Respectful
• Service-Oriented

Culture, Benefits & Perks

We truly believe we have the best people at AEW, which allows us to have a fantastic culture! Like our team, the ideal candidate for this position will need to appreciate, respect, and embrace our core values of being Compassionate, Dedicate, Ethical, Genuine, Respectful, and Service Oriented.

AEW has the best benefits package around, including fully paid BCBS health, dental, and vision insurance for all full time employees and their dependents! We also offer short-term and long-term disability and life insurance at no cost to our employees. Our 401(k) matching and profit sharing has been in place for almost 40 years. Other features of our benefits package include professional development support, community service time off, HSA/FSA, parental leave, and generous paid holidays and PTO.

We host several employee appreciation and recognition events, and offer opportunities to join various steering committees so you can really make a difference at AEW. Our Employee Activities Committee (EAC) plans monthly social events such as Axe Throwing, Chili Cook-Offs, Golf Outings, Cornhole Tournaments, Food Trucks and so much more! Other perks include fresh bagels weekly, wellness events, AEW custom apparel, and the most welcoming, supportive group of co-workers you will ever find! Check out our social media pages to see what it’s really like to be part of our AEWsome team and email your resume to humanresources@aewinc.com to become part of the AEW family!