Job Description

Lead the financial foundation of an employee-owned design firm.

Design Workshop is seeking an experienced Controller to lead our accounting operations and help drive the financial health, compliance, and performance of our employee-owned firm. This is a highly visible leadership role that combines technical accounting expertise with strategic thinking, operational excellence, and team leadership.

As Controller, you will serve as the firm's accounting leader and trusted partner to the CFO, overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, audits, project accounting, payroll oversight, compliance, and financial systems administration. You will play a critical role in strengthening financial processes, supporting business decisions, and ensuring the integrity of financial information across the organization.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

• Lead monthly and annual financial reporting, close processes, and account reconciliations
• Oversee project accounting, billing operations, revenue recognition, and profitability reporting
• Manage annual audits, tax compliance, regulatory filings, and financial controls
• Serve as the firm's Deltek Vantagepoint accounting and reporting expert
• Partner with leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, and operational decision-making
• Develop financial analyses, dashboards, and reporting tools that provide meaningful business insights
• Lead, coach, and develop Finance team members while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Support the administration of our ESOP and 401(k) programs and contribute to employee ownership initiatives
• Drive process improvements, automation, and system enhancements that improve efficiency and accuracy

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with a passion for improving systems, developing people, and supporting business growth.

Qualifications include:

• Active CPA license
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience
• Experience leading accounting operations, audits, budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, project-based accounting, revenue recognition, and financial compliance
• Experience leading and developing accounting or finance teams
• Advanced proficiency with financial systems, ERP platforms, and reporting tools
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint, ESOP-owned companies, Power BI, and the A/E/C or professional services industry is highly valued.

Compensation

Health

• $0 monthly cost for employee-only medical coverage (PPO or HDHP plan with HSA), and generous employer contributions to spouse/children/family dependent tiers
• Monthly firm contributions to your employee HSA, helping you build long-term, tax-advantaged health savings
• Dental & vision coverage
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, and disability coverage

Financial

• The salary range for this position is $140,000-$180,000
• We’re 100% employee-owned (ESOP), which means you earn ownership in the firm over time and share in its long-term success
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to 5%, immediately vested
• Performance-based bonuses tied to the firm’s success
• Employee referral bonuses

Time & Support

• Generous paid time off (PTO) that grows with tenure
• Seven paid holidays plus two floating holidays you can use anytime
• 0% interest rental housing loan program for new and relocating team members
• Paid family leave
• Transportation allowance, including public transit and bike reimbursements
• Employee Assistance Program (counseling, financial wellbeing, and legal assistance)
• Estate planning support (Lincoln Estate Guidance)
• 24/7 travel assistance for emergencies when you’re away from home (Lincoln TravelConnect®)

Growth & Experience

• Annual firmwide volunteer day, plus additional paid volunteer time to support causes you care about
• Professional development through Design Workshop U
• Licensure support, memberships, certifications, and learning funds
• Tuition assistance for graduate education

Studio Culture

• Collaborative, studio-based teams working across the U.S.
• Regular studio events and opportunities to connect with colleagues
• Exposure to meaningful projects across the U.S. and internationally
• A shared focus on design quality, sustainability, and long-term impact