Mead Quin, Inc. CONTROLLER Emeryville, CA · Full time Company website

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Mead Quin is a high-end residential design firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for a signature aesthetic of refined minimalism and calming, human-centered interiors that prioritize wellness and a connection to nature. Founded in 2013 by Principal Designer Mead Quin, our studio operates on a philosophy of "beauty simplified," collaboration, and high standards. We are a fast-paced, mentorship-driven environment that values open dialogue, professional growth, and an acute attention to detail.

The Controller will be our senior accounting leader, overseeing all financial operations and ensuring accuracy and compliance. This is a hands-on role that bridges finance, operations, and executive leadership to support informed decision-making within our dynamic, project-based professional services environment. You will manage the entire accounting cycle, from daily transactions to high-level financial strategy, reporting to the firm's management and working closely with the Fractional CFO, with ultimate accountability to the Principal, Mead Quin.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Operations, Reporting & Analysis: Help drive the monthly invoicing activity, perform the month-end and year-end close processes, prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and provide actionable insights and variance reports to senior management.
• Project Accounting & Management: Manage project-based accounting, including maintaining work-in-progress (WIP) schedules, tracking project costs versus budgets, and preparing profitability reports.
• Cash Flow & Budgeting: Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts, manage working capital, and oversee the annual operating budget preparation process. Conduct cost-benefit analyses to inform strategic decisions.
• Compliance & Controls: Develop and enforce internal controls to protect company assets, policies, procedures, and workflows. Oversee all tax filings (payroll, sales/use, income), filing returns where appropriate, respond to all external regulatory inquiries, and facilitate tax preparation with our independent CPA firm.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability and professional development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, studio operations) to ensure financial efficiency and alignment with business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business; CMA or MBA highly desirable
• 8–10+ years of related work experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership/Controller role, ideally within an architecture, engineering, or design (AEC) firm.
• Highly ethical professional with superb analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Exposure to sales and use tax application; multi-state contexts preferred (CA, NV, FL)
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and dashboard reporting and projections
• Strong project management, organization, and documentation skills
• Extensive prior experience leading and executing AP, AR, payroll, project accounting, inventory, and merchandise sales
• Strong systems proficiency: Intermediate Excel/Google Sheets toolset required, along with a demonstrated ability to learn new systems.  Systems in current use: Studio Designer, Monograph, Bill.com, Gusto
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and work cooperatively with all levels of employees
• Willing and able to take 12 hours of continuing education per year

Perks & Benefits

We offer a supportive environment and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth:

• Competitive Compensation: $135,000 to $185,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
• Time Off: 120 hours of PTO per year (total) and approximately 11–13 paid holidays
• Hybrid Flexibility: In-office work Monday-Thursday, with an optional work-from-home environment on Fridays
• Financial Health: 401(k) with 4% company match (after 6 months), discretionary bonuses, and mileage reimbursement
• Health Insurance: 100% employer-paid coverage for the employee under the Kaiser Silver plan (with upgrade options available for health, dental, and vision coverages)
• Professional Development: Monthly "Learning Lessons" sessions, offsite visits, and opportunities to expand your skillset in a collaborative learning environment
• Studio Culture: Regular wellness wind-downs (happy hours), team socials, and birthday celebrations foster strong team connection