Controller

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Diversified Project Services International, Inc. (DPSI) provided pay range This range is provided by Diversified Project Services International, Inc. (DPSI). Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range $125,000.00/yr - $200,000.00/yr

Are you looking for a fast-paced, collaborative work environment with plenty of opportunities for career growth? If so, DPSI, an established multi-discipline firm of engineering, land surveying, inspection, construction and safety professionals might have the perfect opportunity for you! We’re seeking an assertive and detail-oriented Controller to join our Bakersfield office. DPSI offers an extensive benefits package, 401k options with employer matching, career development plans and more! Please review the summary below to see if your skills would be a fit for our team.

Job Description

Summary

The Controller leads the company’s accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions, managing a team of accounting professionals to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. This role ensures the integrity of financial data, ensures adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, and delivers strategic financial insights to support growth in a project-based environment. The Controller works closely with leadership, project managers, and administrative staff to maintain sound financial operations, optimize resource allocation, and support informed decision-making. Success in this position requires proficiency in Deltek Ajera, expertise in government contract compliance (including FAR, 2 CFR Part 200, and prevailing wage regulations), and a strong grasp of tax and payroll laws.

Essential Job Functions

Direct daily accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll.

Prepare and analyze accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and company policies.

Oversee project accounting and construction billing, including job cost reporting, work-in-progress (WIP) schedules, progress invoicing, retention tracking, purchase order reconciliation, and documentation to ensure compliance with various contract types (cost-plus, fixed-fee, time-and-materials) across multiple sectors, including public works, military, and energy.

Ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Davis-Bacon Act (DBRA), state wage laws, and other applicable regulations.

Oversee prevailing wage compliance for applicable projects, including verification of wage determinations and certified payroll requirements.

Preparation of annual Indirect Cost Rate (ICR) package for CPA audit review.

Collaborate with contracts/project teams to develop compliant cost proposals for federally and state-funded projects in compliance with applicable regulations, including FAR and Uniform Guidance.

Ensure accurate allocation of direct and indirect costs.

Develop and enforce internal controls around purchasing and procurement processes. Identify and mitigate financial risks in procurement, including duplicate payments, unapproved spending, or non-compliant vendor agreements. Implement approval workflows and thresholds for large or sensitive purchases.

Provide financial performance analysis to identify trends and support strategic decision-making.

Cash Management

Monitor cash flow and liquidity to meet operational needs.

Manage banking relationships, oversee cash transactions and disbursements, and review payment schedules to optimize the company’s cash position.

Maintain and improve cash control procedures to safeguard company funds.

Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Payroll Management

Oversee full-cycle payroll, including review, approval of payroll reports and calculations, and submission to the bank for processing.

Ensure payroll compliance for California and other states, with all applicable tax requirements, prevailing wage laws, and wage and hour regulations.

Resolve complex payroll issues and/or discrepancies.

Maintain accurate, compliant and secure payroll records.

Tax Compliance & Planning

Maintain current knowledge of applicable tax laws.

Oversee preparation, filing, and compliance for corporate, payroll, and sales tax regulations.

Collaborate with external tax advisors and auditors on planning and reporting.

Prepare and submit required tax filings to company CPAs.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Partner with department heads to develop annual budgets.

Prepare financial forecasts, variance analyses and profitability reports.

Provide insights on project margins and operational efficiency to guide leadership decisions.

Provide leadership with timely internal financial statements, job cost reports, and dashboards.

Work closely with project managers to ensure contract compliance, accurate project biling and project profitability.

Liaise with CPAs, vendors, clients and the Board of Directors on financial matters.

Quality Assurance

Maintain and enhance internal control systems to safeguard assets.

Coordinate annual financial audits, including preparation of supporting documentation.

Ensure adherence to accounting policies, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.

Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen compliance and efficiency.

Supervise, mentor, and train accounting staff, providing performance feedback and conducting evaluations.

Foster a collaborative and positive work environment

Participate in recruitment, selection and performance management decisions as necessary.

Collaborate with leadership to evaluate business opportunities, manage financial risks, and support strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Experience Required

10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years as a Controller or senior accounting leadership, and at minimum 2 years in a supervisory capacity.

Background in engineering, construction, or consulting industries serving public, federal, or energy markets.

Proven proficiency with Deltek Ajera, or similar ERP/accounting software.

Experience managing compliance with prevailing wage regulations and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

MS Office

Education Required

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred.

Skills

Advanced financial reporting and analysis skills

Expertise in GAAP and government accounting standards

Strong systems knowledge (QuickBooks, Deltek, or similar)

Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Proficiency in accounting and tax preparation software

Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail

Knowledge of payroll processes, including California certified payroll requirements

Strategic thinking and problem-solving

Effective leadership, mentorship, and team development

Ability to drive organizational and process improvements

Collaboration across technical and non-technical teams

Commitment to accuracy, compliance, and ethical financial practices

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure

Strong business acumen with a focus on operational efficiently and profitability

100% company-paid employee medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well long-term disability benefits

Vacation / sick plans and paid holidays

Robust 401k plan with a generous company match

Collaborative, friendly fun environment for our employees to thrive in

Working Condition: Normal working conditions absent extreme factors

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

DPSI is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level

Employment type Employment type Full-time

Job function Job function Accounting/Auditing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Diversified Project Services International, Inc. (DPSI) by 2x

Inferred from the description for this job Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Get notified about new Controller jobs in Bakersfield, CA .

Bakersfield, CA $95,000.00-$120,000.00 3 weeks ago

Bakersfield, CA $90,521.00-$120,535.00 5 days ago

Bakersfield, CA $85,000.00-$100,000.00 3 weeks ago

Bakersfield, CA $85,987.00-$98,585.00 5 days ago

Greater Bakersfield Area $110,000.00-$140,000.00 4 weeks ago

Bakersfield, CA $140,000.00-$160,000.00 2 weeks ago

Bakersfield, CA $125,000.00-$155,000.00 1 week ago

Associate Research Scientist (Instrument Control and Acquisition) Bakersfield, CA $90,000.00-$120,000.00 2 weeks ago

Bakersfield, CA $80,000.00-$100,000.00 3 weeks ago

Bakersfield, CA $95,000.00-$115,000.00 1 month ago

Bakersfield, CA $55,696.00-$65,878.00 5 days ago

Bakersfield, CA $80,000.00-$100,000.00 3 days ago

Bakersfield, CA $80,000.00-$100,000.00 5 days ago

Bakersfield, CA $52,658.00-$60,246.00 5 days ago

Bakersfield, CA $65,000.00-$75,000.00 2 weeks ago

Bakersfield, CA $85,000.00-$105,000.00 5 days ago

Bakersfield, CA $55,000.00-$70,000.00 3 days ago

Bakersfield, CA $150,000.00-$170,000.00 1 week ago

Forensic Accounting & Litigation Manager | Family Law Bakersfield, CA $75,000.00-$90,000.00 1 day ago

Bakersfield, CA $130,000.00-$160,000.00 6 hours ago

Bakersfield, CA $90,000.00-$130,000.00 5 days ago

Bakersfield, CA $130,000.00-$160,000.00 5 days ago

Bakersfield, CA $86,015.00-$117,706.00 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr