Financial Controller

Controller (Finance) Financial Integrity | Operational Excellence | Strategic Partnership Location: On-Site | Charlotte, NC (HQ) Experience Required: 7+ Years in Finance / Accounting People Manager: Yes (Finance & Accounting Team) Reports To: CEO Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Department: Finance & Accounting About the Role DingoBlu is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Controller to build and lead the finance and accounting function from the ground up. This is a foundational role with significant impact — you will be the first dedicated finance leader in the organization, responsible for establishing our financial infrastructure, ensuring the integrity of our financial data, and delivering the insights that drive strategic decision‑making. This is not a background role. You will be embedded in the business, partnering directly with the executive team, and operating as the financial conscience of DingoBlu. You thrive in a fast‑moving startup environment, are energized by building things from scratch, and are equally comfortable setting strategy as you are rolling up your sleeves to get the work done. If you bring the discipline of a corporate finance background and the agility of an operator — this role was built for you. What You’ll Own Financial Platform & Systems Setup Design, configure, and implement the company’s accounting and financial management platform (e.g., QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, or equivalent ERP). Establish and maintain the chart of accounts, general ledger structure, and accounting policies aligned with GAAP. Integrate financial systems with banking platforms, payroll providers, and other third‑party tools. Define internal controls and accounting procedures to ensure data accuracy, security, and audit‑readiness from day one. Evaluate and onboard additional financial tools as the business scales (expense management, AP automation, FP&A software, etc.). Financial Statements & Reporting Produce accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows. Ensure all financial reporting is compliant with GAAP and applicable regulatory standards. Prepare management reporting packages that translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for the executive team and Board. Conduct variance analysis to explain deviations from budget and forecast, identifying trends and risks. Maintain and continuously improve financial reporting processes for speed, accuracy, and transparency. Taxes Strategy & Optimization Direct all tax compliance, corporate filings, and reporting at the state and federal level Proactively identify and implement tax optimization strategies, maximizing available credits and structural advantages specific to the fintech and banking sectors. Maximize pre‑revenue tax advantages before the fall soft launch. Specifically, manage the identification, documentation, and claiming of federal and state R&D tax credits (IRC Section 41) for the development of our proprietary banking infrastructure and mobile platform. Optimize the treatment of startup and organizational costs (IRC Section 195). Monitor and manage multi‑state tax exposure as our user base grows nationally. Navigate the complexities of state‑by‑state economic nexus thresholds for digital financial services, while managing our primary North Carolina corporate income and franchise tax obligations. Cash Flow Management Build and maintain a rolling 13‑week cash flow forecast to ensure DingoBlu maintains adequate liquidity at all times. Monitor daily cash positions across all bank accounts and optimize working capital management. Develop and maintain banking relationships, including managing credit facilities and treasury functions. Identify cash flow risks proactively and present mitigation strategies to leadership. Oversee payroll funding, vendor payment scheduling, and receivables collection in coordination with the appropriate teams. Accounts Payable (A/P) Management Own the end‑to‑end accounts payable cycle: vendor onboarding, invoice receipt, approval workflows, payment processing, and reconciliation. Establish and enforce payment terms, approval thresholds, and expense policies across the organization. Manage vendor relationships and resolve payment disputes in a timely, professional manner. Ensure accurate and timely preparation and filing of 1099s, W‑9 collection, and related year‑end tax documents. Implement AP automation tools to reduce manual effort and improve payment accuracy and cycle time. Financial Audits & Compliance Lead all external and internal audit activities, serving as the primary point of contact for auditors. Prepare and maintain all supporting schedules, workpapers, and documentation required for annual audits. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax obligations, including coordinating with external tax advisors for corporate tax filings. Design and maintain a robust internal control environment, including documentation of policies and procedures. Monitor changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements (FASB, IRS, state agencies) and implement necessary updates. FP&A & Strategic Finance Support Partner with the CEO and executive team on the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes. Develop financial models to support strategic decisions, including new product launches, partnership evaluations, and capital allocation. Build and maintain KPI dashboards that give leadership real‑time visibility into the financial health of the business. General Financial Leadership Serve as a trusted financial advisor to the executive team, ensuring financial considerations are embedded in every major business decision. Oversee payroll processing in partnership with HR, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Manage relationships with external advisors including accountants, tax counsel, and financial institutions. Build and lead a high‑performing finance and accounting team as the business grows. What We’re Looking For Required 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including hands‑on controllership or senior accounting leadership. CPA license required; active and in good standing. Demonstrated experience building or significantly rebuilding a financial accounting infrastructure, including system implementations. Deep technical knowledge of GAAP, financial statement preparation, and the month‑end/year‑end close process. Experience managing full‑cycle accounts payable operations, including vendor management and payment processing. Proven track record leading financial audits (external and internal) as the primary management contact. Familiarity with tax planning and compliance for multi‑state operations, including income & sales tax and other related obligations Proven track record of managing complex corporate tax obligations and driving tax optimization strategies. Strong cash flow management experience, including forecasting and liquidity planning. Proficiency with ERP and accounting platforms (QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage, or similar). Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a high attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy. Strong communicator — able to translate complex financial data into clear narratives for non‑financial stakeholders. Self‑starter who thrives in ambiguity, takes ownership without being told, and drives results independently. Preferred Experience as a Controller or Assistant Controller in a startup, fintech, or high‑growth technology company. Knowledge of revenue recognition standards (ASC 606) and/or subscription‑based business models. Experience implementing AP automation, expense management platforms (e.g., Ramp, Brex, Concur), or FP&A tools (e.g., Mosaic, Jirav, Planful). MBA or advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Domain Expertise We Value Domain: Financial Systems — ERP Setup (Acumatica, Velixio, Traild, QuickBooks, Dynamics 365 Business Central, Sage), Chart of Accounts, System Integration Domain: Tax Planning/Filing — Tax planning, optimization and filing Domain: Financial Reporting — GAAP/IFRS Statements, P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statements, Variance Analysis Domain: Cash Management — Cash Flow Forecasting, Liquidity Planning, Banking Relationships, Working Capital Domain: Accounts Payable — Vendor Management, Invoice Processing, Payment Runs, Aging Reports, 1099/W-9 Compliance Audit & Compliance External/Internal Audits, SOX Controls, Tax Filings, Regulatory Reporting, Policy Enforcement FP&A Support Budgeting, Forecasting, KPI Dashboards, Management Reporting, Strategic Analysis Education Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field required. CPA license required; active and in good standing. MBA or Master’s in Accounting or Finance is a plus. Work Environment This is a full‑time, on‑site position based at DingoBlu’s headquarters in Charlotte, NC. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The nature of financial leadership means additional hours may be required during month‑end and year‑end close, audit periods, or key business milestones. Occasional travel may be required for banking meetings, audit engagements, or company events. Why Join DingoBlu A rare opportunity to build the finance function of a high‑growth company from the ground up — your decisions will define how we operate. Direct access to and partnership with the executive team, with meaningful influence on company strategy. A collaborative, performance‑driven culture that values rigor, initiative, and transparency. The chance to grow into a CFO role as the organization scales. Fast‑moving environment where your work is seen, your impact is felt, and your voice is heard. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Note: DingoBlu is a financial technology platform, not an FDIC‑Insured bank. Banking services and eligible deposit accounts are provided by our FDIC‑insured bank partners. FDIC insurance is provided by such banks up to applicable limits and subject to FDIC requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr