Controller

About the Role

Our client is a growing middle-market company seeking a highly motivated, hands-on Controller to lead the accounting function through a period of transformation and operational improvement. This is not a "maintenance" Controller role—we're looking for someone who enjoys building processes, cleaning up accounting operations, improving financial reporting, and creating scalable infrastructure. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to resolve accounting issues as they are leading strategic initiatives such as ERP implementations, systems optimization, and preparing the organization for future capital market opportunities, including a potential IPO. This role offers significant visibility to executive leadership and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the finance organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, month-end close, account reconciliations, fixed assets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes while driving improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness.
• Ensure financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.
• Serve as the primary technical accounting resource for the organization.
• Assess existing accounting processes and identify opportunities for standardization, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Lead accounting clean-up initiatives, including balance sheet reconciliations, historical account analysis, and remediation of legacy accounting issues.
• Build scalable processes capable of supporting future organizational growth.
• Improve financial reporting packages, KPIs, and management reporting.
• Lead ERP optimization initiatives with a strong preference for NetSuite experience.
• Partner with cross-functional teams on ERP implementations, upgrades, integrations, and systems conversions.
• Evaluate and implement automation tools that improve accounting workflows and reporting capabilities.
• Develop reporting capabilities that provide timely and actionable financial insights.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning initiatives.
• Partner closely with executive leadership on strategic projects, acquisitions, financing activities, and operational initiatives.
• Assist with lender reporting, audits, and external financial reporting requirements.
• Help establish the financial infrastructure necessary to support a future IPO or other capital market transactions.
• Develop scalable internal controls, reporting processes, and documentation consistent with public company standards.
• Support external auditors, legal counsel, and advisors on readiness initiatives.
• Assist in implementing SOX-compliant processes and documentation where applicable.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Build a culture centered around accuracy, collaboration, and process excellence.
• Partner effectively with Finance, Operations, IT, and executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. CPA strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or Assistant Controller leadership.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience leading accounting process improvements and operational clean-up initiatives.
• Experience managing month-end close and financial statement preparation.
• Proven leadership experience managing accounting teams.
• NetSuite ERP experience strongly preferred.
• Experience leading ERP implementations or major systems conversions.
• Experience preparing organizations for an IPO, public company environment, or SOX readiness.

Compensation

$180,000–$200,000 + bonus