Learn. Grow. Lead.
This is a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing firm as the first Accounting Manager in our headquarters (Columbus, OH). This position will plan, lead, direct and coordinate the policies, activities and staff of the Accounting Department including an existing Project Accountant, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the organization’s financial strategy, reporting directly to the company President. As a key member of the Compass leadership team, you will be responsible for the Accounting aspects of strategic planning, project budgeting and invoicing, financial reporting, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting, audit, compliance & internal controls for the entire company. Our ideal candidate will be on-site in Compass’ main office and have flexibility for occasional planned or urgent Accounting needs outside of normal business hours.
About Compass:
Founded in 2020, Compass has grown to over 55 employees and was recognized as Central Ohio’s 2023 Fastest Growing Company, and a Best Places to Work in 2024 and 2025. Compass Infrastructure Group offers civil engineering design and project management services, specializing in bridge and highway design, safety studies, inspections, constructability, and other transportation related services. Compass works as a consultant for transportation projects primarily with public clients and local governments throughout Ohio and Kentucky. As a result of our success, we have developed a steady backlog of diverse and exciting transportation projects to continue our strategic and intentional growth. Our company values revolve around putting our people first, technical expertise, quality, and responsiveness.
Professional Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
5-10 years’ experience, prefer experience in AEC or related field.
1+ years’ experience in a supervisory or management role preferred.
Highly proficient with excel, Power BI/other reporting dashboard creation experience a plus.
Accounting software experience preferred – Unanet is used. Quick to acclimate to new software.
Strong working knowledge of GAAP and project-based accounting.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Leadership team, HR and other cross-functional teams.
Excellent attention to detail, analytical, organization, and communication skills.
Demonstrated judgement and confidence in advising leaders to support informed decision making.
Demonstrated past success prioritizing workload to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
Demonstrated past success with recognizing potential problems and taking initiative to enact viable solutions independently and creatively.
Critical Competencies:
Self-starter, who can advance initiatives without significant guidance, and is comfortable making decisions instead of simply following directions.
Demonstrated integrity and unwavering commitment to fiscal stewardship, compliance, and sound internal controls.
Collaborative, team-oriented leader who builds strong cross-functional partnerships and operates proactively.
Strategic, analytical thinker with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to translate complexity into clarity.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet high-pressure deadlines and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
Track record of successfully managing, coaching and developing finance and accounting professionals.
Experience overseeing vendor relationships and designing, strengthening and sustaining financial and operational control environments.
Prior experience supporting company leadership, including preparation of financial materials and analysis.
Cares about the success of both Compass and your teammates.
Job Responsibilities:
Accounting & Financial Management
Develop and implement financial strategies to support the company’s growth and operational goals.
Lead the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and financial plans.
Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
Provide comprehensive financial analysis to support business decisions, including profit margins, cost structures, cash flow, and capital expenditures.
Develop financial reports for stakeholders, including senior management, the board of directors, and external parties.
Overall financial management of the firm including accounting, monthly/annual reporting, annual budgeting, tracking of accounts receivable and payable, recording expenses, and working with third parties for payroll, taxes, audits, and other financial services.
Compare sales, income and expenses to current business plan on a regular basis, adjust business plan projections when necessary.
Make recommendations on when to pay down debt or incur new debt (new debt requires unanimous consent of the principals).
Identify, evaluate, and manage financial risks, including but not limited to project delays, cost overruns, and regulatory changes.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal tax regulations, as well as industry-specific financial reporting standards.
Monitor industry trends, economic developments, and regulatory changes that may affect the company’s financial health.
Recommend major financial decisions, including investments, acquisitions and capital expenditures.
Direct and manage dashboard creation.
Direct and review tax preparation by Third Party Vendor.
Prepare Owner Distribution amount and distribution date.
Recommend 401k Profit Sharing Amount and distribution date.
Recommend annual bonuses and distribution date.
Accounting Analyst
Oversee all accounting department functions and ensure accuracy including but not limited to Accounts Payable, Accounts, Receivable, Project Setup and Invoicing, Project Budgets, Financial Reports, Payroll & Benefits Processing.
Perform In-house bookkeeping and bank reconciliations ensuring all billing transactions are completed and accurately recorded in Unanet system and meeting multiple critical deadlines on a weekly and monthly basis.
Prepare end-of-the-month financial reports, accounting period close, bank reconciliation, end-of-year financials, tax reporting, FAR overhead reporting.
Within Accounting – Interpret objectives, set milestones, prioritize tasks, timelines and resource allocations, clearly communicate expectations, documenting all pertinent details, decisions and responsibilities. Investigate issues, gather details, summarize information and escalate when necessary.
Coordinate with external accounting firm as necessary.
Perform check deposits, ACH payments, check writing.
Oversee and perform review of client contracts to perform project setup and ensure accurate project setup.
Work with Project Managers in a variety of disciplines to establish project budgets, update budgets, and make project accounting recommendations as needed when contract modifications or budget changes arise. Generate project financial reports and inform team of projects financial status.
Prepare and send monthly invoices by collaborating with PMs, that may require expense backup, timesheet detail, pay applications or other client-specific invoicing requirements.
Assist with other general accounting support functions as required.
Train department staff and communicate with firm Leadership as necessary.
Coordinates and oversees the completion of special projects as needed.
What We Offer:
A start-up environment with career growth potential
4 days’ work in office, 1 day work from home
Standard office hours with flexibility for life demands
Competitive benefits including Paid Time Off and 401(k) matching contributions
Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance
100% employer-paid medical insurance for employee
2 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave for birth of child
Location:
Columbus, Ohio
At Compass, we are committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations.