Controller
Progressive Design • Midlothian, Virginia • Full Time
Posted on Fri, Jun 19, 2026
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.
Job 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
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
- 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:
- 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
Company Overview:
PDI is a private, family-owned, Heavy Industrial Engineering & Design Consulting firm that provides valued engineering services. Founded in 1986 PDI has grown to become one of the largest privately held multi-discipline engineering firms in central Virginia.
Our team’s knowledge and hands-on experience take projects from concept to startup. We support manufacturing facilities and clients in many key areas including: EPC/Turnkey projects, project feasibility studies, process improvement analysis, new process design, process upgrades, air pollution abatement technology and integration, environmental compliance, product design, industrial capital projects, and detailed project/construction estimates.
We serve Fortune 500 companies in industries such as chemical, tobacco, power, films, fibers, plastics, paper, pharmaceuticals, metals, food and beverage, and discrete manufacturing.