Controller

Corporate Controller

Job Title: Controller

Location: Flexible / Hybrid (Tampa, FL or Atlanta, GA)

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Company: HighGround

HighGround is a private equity-backed leader in the disaster mitigation and property restoration services industry. Founded in 2020, HighGround has rapidly expanded through strategic acquisitions and now operates multiple leading restoration brands across the United States. Through industry-leading technology, operational excellence, and a highly skilled workforce, HighGround delivers best-in-class service to residential and commercial customers while building long-term partnerships with referral sources nationwide. As HighGround continues its growth trajectory, we are seeking an experienced Controller to help build a scalable finance organization that supports operational excellence, financial discipline, and future expansion.

Position Overview

The Controller will serve as the senior accounting leader for HighGround and all affiliated brands, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer. This position is responsible for the integrity of the company's financial reporting, accounting operations, internal controls, compliance, and financial processes across a multi-brand, multi-entity platform. The Controller will lead the accounting organization, oversee monthly and annual close processes, ensure compliance with GAAP and lender requirements, support acquisition integration activities, and drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the finance function. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, private equity-backed environment and has experience managing complex, multi-location organizations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accounting Leadership & Financial Oversight

• Lead all accounting operations across HighGround and its portfolio of brands.

• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and treasury-related accounting activities.

• Develop, mentor, and lead Assistant Corporate Controller, Regional Accounting Managers and accounting team members.

• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, continuous improvement, and professional development.

2. Financial Reporting

• Direct the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.

• Ensure timely preparation of consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules.

• Maintain accurate and reliable financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

• Prepare reporting packages for executive leadership, lenders, investors, and the Board of Directors.

• Partner with the CFO on financial analysis and strategic reporting initiatives.

3. Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve internal control processes across all brands.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, banking covenants, regulatory requirements, and accounting standards.

• Lead the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.

• Monitor and mitigate financial and operational risks.

4. Multi-Brand & Consolidation Management

• Oversee accounting operations for multiple entities and acquired businesses.

• Ensure consistency in accounting policies, procedures, and reporting across all brands.

• Manage monthly consolidations and intercompany accounting.

• Support acquisition due diligence and post-acquisition integration activities.

5. Budgeting & Financial Planning Support

• Partner with the CFO and operational leadership during annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

• Provide financial insights and variance analysis to support decision-making.

• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for process improvements and cost optimization.

6. Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive automation and process improvements throughout the accounting function.

• Evaluate and implement financial systems, reporting tools, and best practices.

• Ensure data integrity and scalability of financial operations as the company grows.

• Lead initiatives that improve efficiency, accuracy, and visibility across the organization.

7. Cash Management & Treasury Oversight

• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital performance.

• Oversee banking relationships and treasury-related accounting activities.

• Support the CFO in debt compliance reporting and capital management initiatives.

8. Strategic Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO and executive leadership team.

• Provide financial leadership in support of strategic initiatives and business growth.

• Assist in evaluating acquisitions, operational investments, and organizational initiatives.

• Participate in executive-level discussions regarding business performance and future planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.

• CPA designation strongly preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing accounting teams.

• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.

• Experience leading monthly close and financial statement preparation for multi-entity organizations.

• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and financial reporting tools specifically Sage Intacct (required) and Ramp (strongly preferred).

• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and leadership abilities.

• Experience in private equity environment strongly preferred.

• Experience in residential services, restoration, construction, home services, or other field-service industries required.

• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and post-acquisition integrations.

• Public accounting background.

• Experience managing multi-state operations.

Key Success Metrics

• Timely and accurate monthly close process.

• Accuracy and reliability of consolidated financial reporting.

• Successful audit outcomes with minimal adjustments.

• Strong internal control environment across all brands.

• Effective integration of acquired businesses.

• Development and retention of accounting team members.

• Continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

Travel Requirements

Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% as needed to support HighGround brands and corporate initiatives.

Benefits

• Company-paid Health Insurance for Employee

• Buy-up plans available

• Dependent and spouse coverage available

• HSA/FSA options available

• Dental and Vision Insurance

• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Company-paid Life Insurance

• 401(k) with Company Match

• Ancillary Benefits (Hospital, Critical Illness, Accident)

• Paid Time Off and Holidays