Controller, Office of the CFO

Department: Office of the CFO • Location: Minneapolis or Chicago

About Blue Ops Partners

Blue Ops Partners specializes in M&A and Office of the CFO value creation, including strategic FP&A advisory, operational finance, accounting, and business analytics. We partner with private equity-owned portfolio companies to deliver lasting impact. Since 2010, we have combined deep operational expertise with cutting-edge technology and AI-driven analytics to deliver superior outcomes for our clients.

This is a consulting role for an experienced leader who thrives in fast-paced, client-facing environments and can drive financial discipline, reporting accuracy, and develop scalable processes across portfolio companies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee accounting operations for clients, including month-end and year-end close, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow reporting.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, accounting policies, and standardized procedures.
• Oversee cash management activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury, fixed asset investments, and cash flow forecasting.
• Manage annual audit activities and coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners, including lender reporting.
• Drive process improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen financial accuracy, and reduce close-cycles.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis in partnership with finance and operations.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to leadership to support business performance.
• Mentor and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Act as liaison between private equity sponsor and portfolio company leadership.

Qualifications

Blue Ops is a hands-on, growth-minded organization built on collaboration and accountability. We move quickly, dive deep, and partner closely with our clients to deliver lasting impact. Important competencies for this role include:

• A technically strong and seasoned accounting leader with deep GAAP knowledge.
• Skilled at managing and improving financial operations in dynamic environments.
• A clear, confident communicator who can partner effectively across the organization, external partners, and with private equity sponsors.
• Process-oriented with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable leading teams and owning key deliverables under tight timelines.
• Ability and flexibility to travel on-site to clients as appropriate (estimated at 25-40% depending on client needs).

Requirements

• Big 4 or public accounting experience strongly preferred; corporate accounting leadership also considered.
• 10-20 years of progressive accounting experience across public accounting, consulting, or industry roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience overseeing accounting operations and owning financial statements.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, audits, and financial reporting requirements.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with modern ERP systems.
• Experience in private equity, multi-entity environments, or high-growth companies is highly valued.