Controller - Corporate Accounting & Acquisitions

Help Us Change the World—One Project at a Time
At PRIME AE, we believe every bridge, building, classroom, park, and roadway we design tells a story—and leaves a legacy. Whether it’s through architecture, engineering, planning, or consulting, our work is deeply rooted in improving the everyday experiences of people and communities. Join us and be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values innovation, technical excellence, and meaningful contribution.

Who We Are:

PRIME AE Group, Inc. (www.primeeng.com) is a nationally ranked, full-service architecture and engineering firm with 22 offices across 9 states and a team of 500+ professionals. For nearly two decades, we’ve partnered with public and private sector clients to deliver creative, practical, and sustainable solutions across transportation, education, healthcare, municipal, federal, commercial, and recreational sectors.  We’re expanding our capabilities, our geography, and our team—and now is an exciting time to join us.  

We are currently seeking an experienced Controller – Corporate Accounting & Acquisitions to lead the financial operations of our fast-growing architectural and engineering consulting firm in our Jacksonville, FL office.  

What You’ll Do:

This senior role will manage corporate accounting functions, oversee audits and compliance, and serve as a strategic leader in the financial due diligence, integration, and post-close management of acquisitions. The Controller will also lead internal controls, manage relationships with external audit and public accounting firms, and ensure alignment with all regulatory and licensing requirements, including those required by the Department of Defense and other government agencies.

This role reports directly to the CFO and will serve as a key advisor in scaling financial operations during a period of accelerated M&A-driven growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Accounting & Compliance

• Lead and manage all general accounting functions including GL oversight, journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and monthly/quarterly/year-end close processes.
• Ensure full compliance with GAAP, FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), and internal accounting policies.
• Manage indirect cost rate development and overhead reporting.
• Serve as the point of contact for external audits, financial statement preparation, and tax filings.
• Oversee coordination with external public accounting firms and manage annual financial and compliance audits.
• Maintain active licenses, registrations, and required financial documentation with government agencies (including DoD) and notify appropriate entities of changes impacting compliance.
• Develop and maintain robust internal controls and accounting procedures that support scalability and risk mitigation.

M&A and Integration

• Lead financial due diligence for acquisition targets, including quality of earnings analysis, risk identification, and assessment of internal controls.
• Manage post-acquisition financial integration, including systems setup, consolidation, and compliance with purchase accounting rules.
• Perform accounting for business combinations, including goodwill, intangible assets, and purchase price allocation (PPA).
• Develop and maintain post-close reporting to monitor synergies and financial performance of acquisitions.
• Partner cross-functionally with FP&A, Legal, HR, IT, and Operations to ensure seamless integration of acquired entities.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Direct and mentor the corporate accounting team, including functions in general accounting, treasury, payroll, and accounts payable.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CFO and executive team on financial operations, acquisition strategy, and risk management.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and reporting capabilities across finance and accounting.
• Support system improvements and ERP optimization in partnership with IT and business leaders.
• Ensure financial readiness for regulatory or client audits related to government contracts, including DCAA and DoD reviews.

What You’ll Bring

• CPA required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Master’s in Accounting or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in corporate accounting, with at least 5+ years in a Controller or senior finance leadership role.
• Extensive experience in M&A due diligence, integration, and purchase accounting.
• Strong background in public accounting; Big Four or national firm experience highly preferred.
• Prior experience in an A&E, project-based, or consulting environment required.
• Knowledge of compliance and financial reporting requirements for government contractors (including FAR, DCAA, and DoD regulations).
• Deep experience with Deltek Vision or Vantagepoint strongly preferred; QuickBooks and other accounting platforms a plus.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; experience with BI/reporting tools preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and develop accounting teams, manage external partners, and work cross-functionally in complex organizations.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.

Why PRIME AE?
We don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. At PRIME AE, you’ll find a culture of support, flexibility, and opportunity. You’ll work on impactful projects that improve daily life, alongside colleagues who inspire and challenge you. Whether you’re advancing your technical skills or growing as a leader, we’re committed to helping you succeed.

• Full-Career Support: Flexible career paths across disciplines, from technical specialist to project leadership.
• People-First Culture: We hire top talent, champion diversity, trust, and integrity.
• Meaningful Impact: Work on projects—from community centers and hospitals to federal, transportation, and water systems—that tangibly improve lives. 
• Growth-Oriented: Strategically expanding capabilities and geography (e.g., Southeast acquisition, federal growth) with strong backing from investors.
• National Yet Local: Enjoy the resources of a big firm with the agility and client intimacy of local offices.

PRIME AE Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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