Principal, Controller – Compensation Accounting & Operations

About the role

The Principal, Controller – Compensation Accounting & Operations is a senior finance leader responsible for the firm’s global compensation finance, accounting, payroll operations, and workforce-level forecasting. This role provides end-to-end ownership of compensation-related financial processes, including forecasting and analytics, global payroll operations, equity and capital event execution, and regulatory compliance, while serving as a strategic partner to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead firmwide compensation planning, forecasting, and analytics, delivering reporting that supports executive decision-making.
• Collaborate with FP&A, SEC Reporting, Tax, and Legal partners on quarterly and annual deliverables, including compensation-related disclosures, tax reporting inputs, and complex transaction support.
• Own the compensation accounting close process across monthly, quarterly, and annual cycles, including journal entry review, reconciliations, analytical review, and oversight of SOX controls.
• Manage external partners such as payroll providers and transfer agents, ensuring accurate execution of equity compensation programs and capital structure transactions, including complex share issuances and distributions.
• Oversee and maintain SOX controls for compensation processes, including effective design and execution, audit readiness, and review of third-party assurance reports (e.g., SOC).
• Partner closely with Human Resources and senior leaders on annual compensation cycles and on complex compensation initiatives throughout the year.
• Develop deep expertise in the firm’s compensation plans and structures.
• Technology, Innovation & Optimization: Lead continuous improvement across compensation accounting, payroll operations, and forecasting by identifying, evaluating, and implementing technology, automation solutions, and systems integrations.
• Simplify and standardize processes and controls to improve scalability, accuracy, and efficiency as the firm continues to grow.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA or equivalent preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance roles, with meaningful ownership of compensation processes.
• Strong understanding of compensation-related accounting standards (e.g., ASC 718), audit processes, and financial planning and analysis.
• Experience operating in a SOX-controlled environment; public company close and reporting experience strongly preferred.
• Proven success leading and developing onshore and offshore teams.
• Advanced experience with financial systems, data, and automation tools; ability to translate business requirements into scalable processes.
• Familiarity with Oracle, Anaplan, and Workday or similar platforms strongly preferred.

Pay

It is expected that the base annual salary range for this New Jersey-based position will be $225,000 plus. Actual salaries may vary based on factors, such as skill, experience, and qualification for the role.