Description
Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc. (Sequoia) is a small, woman-owned environmental consulting firm that specializes in environmental and biological planning, permitting, and field services. We serve federal, state, and local public agencies, as well as private clients throughout California. Sequoia’s team develops creative solutions to complex projects through proactive planning, collaboration, and attention to detail.
At Sequoia, we believe in providing a great place to work by living our shared core values of Belongingness, Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Teamwork. As a member of the Sequoia team your unique talents and contributions will be recognized and appreciated, and your work will truly make an impact as we provide the highest level of service to our clients on projects that our staff are passionate about.
Role Overview:
Sequoia is seeking a seasoned Financial Controller/Senior Financial Controller to lead day-to-day financial operations, ensure accurate reconciliations, and maintain audit-ready records. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in auditing, deep expertise in financial and project accounting, advanced Excel skills, and hands-on experience with Deltek Vantagepoint. Proven leadership in managing and mentoring finance teams, along with a detail-oriented, proactive approach, is essential.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the month end close process, ensuring timely preparation of financial reports
Manage and mentor the finance and accounting team of approximately 7 staff
Ensure financial reporting and accounting practices comply with GAAP and DCAA
Collaborate with Project Managers and Project Accountants on project status reviews, project margin analysis, and billing support
Oversee and support the maintenance of the Deltek Vantagepoint system, including report development, system optimization, and ensuring the accuracy of the General Ledger (GL) and Project Ledger.
Review bi-weekly payroll for accuracy; resolve complex payroll issues, approve the monthly payroll reconciliation & journals
Ensure timely and accurate 401(k) contributions.
Provide financial reports for bank loan covenant purposes, ad-hoc audits, client requests and government compliance reviews.
Assist with complex proposals, billing rate calculations and project change orders
Supervise preparation of the annual Indirect Cost Calculation
Prepare the annual Caltrans reporting package, including detailed labor cost reconciliation.
Manage annual insurance renewals and ensure accurate allocation of insurance costs within the GL.
Support the Finance Director in maintaining the rolling forecast, developing the annual budget, preparing capacity planning & staff utilization reports
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree with a major in Accounting
Minimum 5 years of experience as a Financial Controller level in professional services or a project-based firm is essential
In-depth knowledge of GAAP & Project Accounting (minimum 5 years of experience)
A background in auditing and reconciliations
Strong knowledge of Deltek Vantagepoint preferred, with excellent Excel skills
Out of the box, proactive, creative thinker, and problem solver
Excellent analytical and organization skills, meticulous attention to detail
Experience supervising and mentoring an accounting team of all experience levels
Ability to prioritize work assignments and shift work efforts based on the needs of the team
Excellent communication skills
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:
As Sequoia scales, this role will be central in shaping our financial systems, mentoring our team, and ensuring audit-ready financials that support growth toward $10M+ revenue. You'll work closely with the Financial Director and leadership team to strengthen processes, optimize Deltek Vantagepoint, and provide insights that influence strategy.
