CFO Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary
We are seeking a hands-on CFO Controller to provide financial leadership across a diversified, privately held business group headquartered in State College, PA. The organization includes businesses operating across real estate, leasing, hospitality, beverage manufacturing, and related ventures.

This in-office role combines operational accounting excellence (Controller responsibilities) with high-level financial strategy, planning, and business partnering (CFO responsibilities). The ideal candidate will manage all financial functions, ensure accuracy and compliance, optimize cash flow, deliver actionable insights, and support growth across diverse operations, product lines, or revenue streams.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle accounting: accounts payable/receivable, payroll, general ledger, reconciliations, month-end/year-end close, and preparation of accurate financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow).
• Develop and manage annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and financial models; provide clear variance analysis and recommendations.
• Oversee cash flow management, banking relationships, working capital, and financing arrangements to support daily operations and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, federal/state/local tax requirements; coordinate tax preparation and external audits.
• Conduct financial analysis, profitability reviews, cost control, pricing strategy, and risk identification across multiple business segments.
• Act as key strategic advisor to the CEO/Owner, translating financial data into business insights for decision-making, investments, expansions, and efficiency.
• Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, bankers, and advisors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field; CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in finance/accounting roles, with demonstrated hands-on expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, and compliance.
• Prior experience in small to mid-sized businesses and/or multifaceted operations (multiple divisions, product/service lines, locations, or revenue streams) highly valued.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and U.S. tax principles.
• Proficiency with accounting/ERP software (Quickbooks, NetSuite, Xero, or similar) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities; capable of presenting complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• High integrity, attention to detail, adaptability, and comfort thriving in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial small-business environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience, including time in a senior controller, Director of Finance, or hybrid CFO/Controller capacity.
• Track record supporting business growth, cost optimization, or operational scaling in complex small-company settings.
• Experience with process automation, system implementations, or fractional resource coordination.

Why Join Us?

Be the financial cornerstone of a growing, multifaceted small business in the vibrant State College area- home to Penn State University and a thriving community. This in office position offers broad responsibility, direct daily impact on strategy and profitability, competitive compensation starting at $125,000+, health insurance, paid time off, and bonus potential.

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your experiences managing in small or multifaceted business environments and which this in-office role interests you.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person