Controller

The Brand Guild is an award-winning, mid-sized integrated communications agency with offices in Washington D.C. and NYC. and we are looking for an energetic, organized and proactive individual to join our team as a Part-timeController in our DC office. We're looking for an experienced, hands‑on Part-Time Controller to own our financial reporting, controls, and cash management, and to directly oversee our part-time bookkeeper. Note: This is a part‑time, fractional engagement requiring 60 hours of support a month (weekly hour requirement may vary based on time of month). This is a hybrid position with some in office days required (~2-3 times/month) You Are Someone Who: Owns the numbers. You are comfortable being the final reviewer on the books, not just an input provider Enjoys building and tightening process, especially around close, controls, and reporting Can operate independently with minimal oversight while keeping leadership informed Is comfortable managing a bookkeeper's day‑to‑day work and holding that work to a high standard Is comfortable upskilling and supporting bookkeeper to their full potential Communicates clearly with finance and non‑finance stakeholders including department heads, the SVP of Operations, fraction CFO, and Co‑CEOs. Is discreet and trustworthy with sensitive financial and payroll information You Will: Financial Reporting & Close Own the monthly close process; review and approve journal entries prepared or entered by the bookkeeper Prepare monthly financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) for leadership Maintain and review department‑level P&Ls across TBG's eight service departments Cash Management & Controls Monitor weekly cash position and rolling cash flow forecasts Review and approve AP disbursements and payroll funding prepared by the bookkeeper Establish and maintain internal controls over billing, collections, and vendor payments Review client billing accuracy and support collections escalations on overdue accounts Oversight of retainer, project, and client reimbursable expenses invoicing Bookkeeper Oversight Manage and directly supervise the part‑time bookkeeper's day‑to‑day transactional work (AP/AR entry, bank reconciliations, data entry) Review reconciliations and transactional entries for accuracy before close Set priorities and cadence for the bookkeeper's weekly workload Compliance & Audit Readiness Coordinate with The Brand Guild's external CPA/tax preparer on timely tax filings (sales tax, payroll tax) Maintain audit‑ready documentation and support any external audit or review Help ensure compliance with multi‑jurisdiction payroll and tax requirements as applicable Systems & Process Maintain and improve accounting system architecture (Quickbooks and Sage Expense Management) and ensure tools and technology supports scaling company needs. Recommend process improvements to reduce close time and reporting errors What You Bring: 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior Controller‑level responsibility Experience managing or reviewing the work of a bookkeeper or staff accountant Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks (Online) Experience with services‑agency financials: retainer billing, project‑based revenue, or professional‑services revenue recognition Demonstrated experience owning a monthly close process independently CPA license or CPA‑track background (a plus, not required) Prior experience in a PR, marketing, advertising, or events agency Why You’ll Love Working Here People‑first culture: A supportive, high‑energy team that values creativity, collaboration, and balance Professional development: Annual stipend, training programs, and mentorship opportunities Hybrid flexibility that fosters connection and creativity Exciting clients: Work with best‑in‑class brands in our F&B portfolio The Brand Guild is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace. If you require accommodations during the hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr