We are currently seeking applications for a Controller to join the growing LEVER team!

Controller Job Description

LEVER Architecture is a 40+ person architecture firm based in Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California. We are seeking our first in-house Controller to contribute to and grow with an award-winning office dedicated to design, research, and impactful projects. The firm brings international experience and design excellence to a diverse range of building types including institutional, creative office, and multi-family housing, as well as being nationally recognized for technical innovation with mass timber. 

The ideal candidate will have proven industry experience as an accountant, preferably in a senior role. As a strong communicator and skilled financial analyst, you will make it your mission to streamline our budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting processes. You will produce thorough financial-status reports for senior management to help improve our operational efficiency and aid in our continued growth.  

Successful applicants will be people who enjoy working in a fast-paced, convivial environment, find satisfaction in making ideas into sustainable programs, and thrive working with creative individuals.

Objectives of this Role

  • Provide comprehensive financial updates to senior management by evaluating, analyzing, and reporting appropriate data pointsGuide financial decisions by applying company policies and procedures to currenteconomic landscape
  • Develop, implement, and maintain financial controls and guidelines
  • Achieve budgeting goals with proper scheduling, analysis, and corrective action
  • Maximize payroll efficiency through innovative process developmentHelp develop and support short and long-term operational strategies
  • As the accounting/finance leader in a small operations team, you will be responsible for all aspects of accounting, from detail through strategy

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities

  • Manage and monitor all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements as well as the requirements of private contributions, loans, and government contracts
  • Maintain internal control safeguards for the receipt of revenue, costs and both team and organizational budgets and actual expenditures
  • Establish financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, program monitoring, and reporting standards on a bi-weekly, monthly, and annual basis
  • Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs, upholding federal, state, and local legal standards by remaining knowledgeable about existing, new, and future legislation
  • Develop and enforce internal controls to maximize protection of company assets, policies, procedures, and workflow
  • Lead in creating an environment of trust and productivity

Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field
  • 10+ years proven accounting experience, ideally with a professional services company
  • Professional accounting certification, including CMA, CGA, or CA
  • Working knowledge of finance law and regulatory standards (GAAP)
  • Strong understanding of economic and banking processes

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience as a senior-level accounting or finance manager
  • Strong working knowledge of detailed financial data analysis
  • Proven payroll experience, with a focus on streamlining accounting processes
  • Exemplary history of financial project management
  • Working knowledge of federal, state, and local tax compliance regulations and reporting
  • Knowledge of HR Compliance issues in both OR and CA is a plus
  • CPA preferred

Work Environment and Benefits

Candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to Portland, Oregon or Los Angeles, California. LEVER is currently a remote working environment and will transition to a hybrid office structure as public health and official guidance allows. 

To protect the health and safety of LEVER employees and clients, LEVER requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved medical or religious exception as a qualification of employment. Candidates who receive an offer of employment must provide proof of vaccination upon hire or submit an exception request prior to their start date.

This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. LEVER offers a competitive total compensation package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, short-term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit by email a cover letter and resume in .pdf format, to jobs@leverarchitecture.com. Inquiries should have “Controller/Your Name” in the subject line. 

Review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the volume of applicants, only candidates who will be invited to interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

LEVER Architecture is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive studio. LEVER provides competitive salaries, benefits, and a healthy work/life balance. 

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