Controller / Director of Finance

Location: Madison, WI

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to join a highly respected, long-established professional services organization and make a meaningful impact at both the operational and strategic levels. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Director of Finance will serve as a key business partner to executive leadership while helping shape the future of the organization. Highly visible leadership role with direct interaction with the Board of Directors and senior leadership. Opportunity to lead strategic initiatives, including financial process improvements, technology implementations, and operational enhancements. Strong culture built on collaboration, accessibility, and community involvement. Stable, well-established organization with a history of long-term success and continued investment in its future.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and finance operations, including month-end close, year-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and payroll oversight.
• Partner with executive leadership and the Board to provide financial insights, recommendations, and strategic guidance that support organizational goals.
• Drive process improvement initiatives and oversee the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of financial systems and business processes.
• Develop, mentor, and lead the accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Prepare and present budgets, forecasts, financial analyses, and key performance metrics to senior leadership and governing stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and month-end/year-end close.
• Demonstrated experience presenting to and partnering with executive leadership, ownership groups, boards, or other senior decision-makers.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred.

Pay

Salary: $120,000 - $150,000 Base (flexible up to $160,000 for an exceptional candidate). Bonus: Discretionary annual bonus ($2,000 - $15,000+).

Benefits

Excellent work-life balance, including 21 days of PTO, 11 paid holidays, and day-to-day flexibility. Competitive benefits package featuring bonus potential, profit sharing, 401(k) safe harbor contributions and match, and additional employee-focused perks.