Controller

Fahrenheit Advisors has been retained by Progressive Design, Inc. (PDI) to identify and select a Controller to join their team. This is a full-time on-site position that is located in Midlothian, VA (Richmond, VA area). The Controller will work closely with senior leadership to strengthen the company’s accounting and operational functions. In addition, the Controller will be responsible for managing payables, receivables, payroll, purchase orders, taxes, benefits, and financial reporting.

Opportunity Overview

This position is a key accounting leadership role responsible for overseeing the company’s core financial operations, maintaining accurate and timely financial reporting, managing transactional accounting processes, and supporting the continued operational stability of the business.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys being deeply involved in day-to-day accounting operations, thrives in a lean team environment, and values a stable organization where they can take ownership of the accounting function while working collaboratively with leadership.

The company is seeking a dependable and technically strong accounting leader who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and personally owning the day-to-day execution of accounting responsibilities.

About the Company

Founded in 1986, Progressive Design Inc., (PDI) is a privately held engineering and professional services firm headquartered in Midlothian, Virginia.

The company provides engineering, design consulting, project management, and industrial solutions for clients across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, energy, food and beverage, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial sectors.

PDI has built a strong reputation over several decades and offers employees the opportunity to join a well-established organization with long-term stability, a collaborative culture, and a strong commitment to client service.

Position Summary

The Controller will serve as the organization’s lead accounting professional and will oversee the daily accounting operations of the business while supervising an internal accounting team consisting of an Accounting Associate and a Payroll & Benefits Specialist. The Controller will work directly with the President and senior leadership on all financial matters affecting the company.

The role is heavily focused on execution and operational accounting leadership, with responsibility for maintaining accurate financial records, managing monthly close processes, overseeing payroll and transactional accounting functions, and ensuring the overall accuracy and integrity of the company’s financial operations.

The Controller will report directly to the President and play a critical role in maintaining the consistency and reliability of the company’s accounting processes and financial controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day accounting operations for the organization
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
• Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and general ledger activity
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, vendor payments, and cash receipts
• Manage payroll processes and support benefits administration in partnership with internal stakeholders
• Prepare monthly financial reporting packages and maintain accurate financial records
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, internal controls, and GAAP standards
• Manage cash position, forecasting, and liquidity, serving as the company’s primary treasury resource while maintaining external banking relationships and overseeing daily cash management activities
• Oversee sales tax filings and general compliance-related accounting activities
• Partner with outside accounting and tax advisors to support year-end financial review and tax reporting requirements
• Supervise and support a small accounting and administrative team
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows and maintain operational efficiency
• Serve as the primary internal accounting resource for leadership and internal departments

Candidate Profile

We are seeking an experienced accounting leader who is comfortable operating in a highly hands-on environment and enjoys direct ownership of the accounting function.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting skills while also demonstrating a practical, grounded, and team-oriented leadership style.

Successful candidates will likely enjoy working in a stable organization where they can make a meaningful contribution without the expectation of managing a large team or stepping into a highly strategic executive finance role.

Preferred Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
• 5+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience
• Prior experience in Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accounting Manager roles
• Strong experience managing month-end close and financial reporting processes
• Experience overseeing payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger management
• Experience supervising small accounting teams
• Strong understanding of GAAP and internal accounting controls
• Experience working within professional services, consulting, engineering services, or other project-based business environments preferred
• Experience working with ERP or accounting systems (experience with Unanet AE is a plus)
• Prior exposure to government contracting environments or familiarity with FAR/DFARS regulations is helpful but not required

Ideal Fit

This opportunity may be an excellent fit for professionals who value:

• Long-term stability and established company culture
• A hands-on leadership role with direct ownership of accounting operations
• Working closely with a small collaborative team
• A primarily in-office work environment with consistent schedule expectations
• A manageable workload and healthy work-life balance

Compensation & Work Environment

• Competitive compensation package
• Full benefits package including medical benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, and 401(k) match
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Role based in Midlothian, Virginia with flexibility to work remote one to two days per week
• Standard work schedule with reasonable flexibility for personal appointments and occasional scheduling needs