Assistant Controller

Company Description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.

Job Description

The Assistant Controller is a key member of the Accounting and Shared Services team, partnering with the Controller and VP of Finance to ensure accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, compliance, and efficient accounting operations. This role leads close processes, supports audits and technical accounting matters, develops staff, and drives process improvement and automation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Lead monthly and annual close processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting across the organization.
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements for accuracy and GAAP compliance.
• Analyze financial results, investigate unusual variances, and communicate key findings to leadership.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and oversee accounting for fixed assets, leases, accruals, prepaids, and intercompany transactions.
• Partner with Finance and operational leaders on budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting.

Compliance, Controls & Audit

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate annual external audits and other compliance reviews, including resolving requests and findings.
• Research and implement new accounting standards and reporting requirements.
• Support state and local tax filings, registrations, and related compliance activities.

Leadership, Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Mentor and develop accounting staff and Project Cost Accountants, providing technical guidance and training.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex accounting questions and close-related issues.
• Promote consistent accounting practices, documentation, and knowledge sharing across KPFF’s decentralized organization.
• Partner across Accounting, Finance, Payroll, Benefits, and Data on shared priorities and organizational initiatives.
• Lead improvements to accounting processes, systems, automation, and data quality.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Typically 10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Prior experience as an Assistant Controller, Accounting Director, or in a similarly broad accounting leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting.
• Proficiency with Excel, ERP/accounting systems, and reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience in a multi-entity or multi-location environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA
• Experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
• Experience with process automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Additional Information

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Duties are typically performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk.
• Ability to actively engage with a computer for several hours per day and communicate over the telephone or virtual meeting platforms.
• May occasionally need to lift items up to 15 lbs.
• Work in downtown Seattle office 5 days/week, with flexible work hours between 7 am and 5 pm

Culture and Benefits:

At KPFF, we're not just coworkers; we're a vibrant community fueled by collaborative creativity, offering you the stage to leave a lasting mark through:

• Impact: Your work elevates the employee experience and ensures scalable, compliant operations.
• Autonomy + Support: Enjoy independence within a stable environment and collaborative team.
• Growth: Experience learning opportunities and the freedom to engineer better processes and solutions.
• Community: Be part of a purpose‑driven firm that invests in people and the communities we serve.

Benefits:

We are passionate about supporting our employees through flexible and comprehensive Benefits:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution 
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• KPFF Paid Family Leave 
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• Paid Holidays (including two Floating Holidays)
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, jury duty)
• Subsidized ORCA bus/transit pass

Compensation:

The base salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and skills. The expected range for a qualified candidate with at least 10 years of experience is $125,000 – $140,000. Additionally, we offer performance-based bonuses to recognize and reward outstanding contributions in each Reporting Center. During the interview process, we'll address any questions you may have about the overall compensation package and benefits.

Work Authorization

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

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KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.