Assistant Controller - Minneapolis, MN

Join HGA in shaping the financial strength of a firm dedicated to design excellence and innovation. As Assistant Controller, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Controller/CFO and collaborating with leadership to ensure the financial health of our projects, people, and practice. Your work will help us deliver inspiring and sustainable environments for our clients and communities.

Key responsibilities:

• support the Controller/CFO in managing accounting operations;
• ensure accurate financial reporting and GAAP compliance;
• oversee project accounting, budgeting, billing, and audits;
• collaborate with project leaders and market sector teams; and
• contribute to the financial strength of the firm and its projects.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

1. assist in preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP;
2. ensure accuracy of the general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, and consolidation processes;
3. support external audits and tax filings, coordinating with auditors and external advisors; and
4. maintain and enforce accounting policies, internal controls, and compliance procedures.

Project Accounting & Operations

1. oversee project-related accounting, including contracts, budgets, billing, work-in-progress (WIP), revenue recognition, and collections;
2. partner with Project Managers and Market Sector Leaders to track financial performance against budgets and forecasts;
3. ensure proper setup of projects in the financial system with attention to contract terms and fee structures; and
4. monitor utilization, chargeability, and overhead allocations to support operational efficiency. 

Treasury & Cash Management

1. assist in cash flow forecasting, bank reconciliations, and treasury management activities; and
2. support credit and collections processes to optimize working capital.

Management & Leadership

1. supervise and mentor accounting staff in areas such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and billing;
2. support continuous improvement initiatives, including automation, process streamlining, and implementation of financial systems; and
3. provide training to project and operations staff on financial best practices.

Strategic Support

1. contribute to the firm’s annual budgeting and forecasting process;
2. prepare management reports and financial analyses to inform leadership decision-making; and
3. partner with HR and leadership teams on compensation planning, overhead, and staffing cost analysis.

Additional expectations - you will have:

• strong knowledge of GAAP and project-based revenue recognition (e.g., percentage of completion);
• demonstrated leadership and staff management experience;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to partner across technical and non-financial teams;
• strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills;
• proven experience managing tasks independently and communicates proactively with team members;
• demonstrated technical accuracy, design sensitivity, and professional judgment;
• experience supporting and mentoring junior staff with clarity and encouragement;
• ability to adapt to changing project needs and make contributions to team resilience; and
• experience identifying challenges and proposing thoughtful solutions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA required
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience; prior experience in a professional services, architecture, or engineering firm strongly desired
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems used in A/E firms (e.g., Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint, BST, Unanet) and advanced Excel skills

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $125,000 - $140,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.

Join our nationally recognized, award-winning team of architects, engineers, and interior designers—help us shape what’s next.

Learn more about us here

Application Requirements & Instructions

Please submit resume for consideration