Controller

Our client is a growing middle‑market company seeking a highly motivated, hands‑on Controller to lead the accounting function through a period of transformation and operational improvement. This is not a "maintenance" Controller role—we're looking for someone who enjoys building processes, cleaning up accounting operations, improving financial reporting, and creating scalable infrastructure. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to resolve accounting issues as they are leading strategic initiatives such as ERP implementations, systems optimization, and preparing the organization for future capital market opportunities, including a potential IPO. This role offers significant visibility to executive leadership and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the finance organization. Compensation $180-200K + bonus Key Responsibilities Lead all day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, month‑end close, account reconciliations, fixed assets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting. Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes while driving improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness. Ensure financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Establish and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies. Serve as the primary technical accounting resource for the organization. Assess existing accounting processes and identify opportunities for standardization, automation, and operational efficiency. Lead accounting clean‑up initiatives, including balance sheet reconciliations, historical account analysis, and remediation of legacy accounting issues. Build scalable processes capable of supporting future organizational growth. Improve financial reporting packages, KPIs, and management reporting. Lead ERP optimization initiatives with a strong preference for NetSuite experience. Partner with cross‑functional teams on ERP implementations, upgrades, integrations, and systems conversions. Evaluate and implement automation tools that improve accounting workflows and reporting capabilities. Develop reporting capabilities that provide timely and actionable financial insights. Strategic Finance Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning initiatives. Partner closely with executive leadership on strategic projects, acquisitions, financing activities, and operational initiatives. Assist with lender reporting, audits, and external financial reporting requirements. IPO & Growth Readiness Help establish the financial infrastructure necessary to support a future IPO or other capital market transactions. Develop scalable internal controls, reporting processes, and documentation consistent with public company standards. Support external auditors, legal counsel, and advisors on readiness initiatives. Assist in implementing SOX‑compliant processes and documentation where applicable. Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while fostering accountability and continuous improvement. Build a culture centered around accuracy, collaboration, and process excellence. Partner effectively with Finance, Operations, IT, and executive leadership. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. CPA strongly preferred. 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or Assistant Controller leadership. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting. Demonstrated experience leading accounting process improvements and operational clean‑up initiatives. Experience managing month‑end close and financial statement preparation. Proven leadership experience managing accounting teams. NetSuite ERP experience strongly preferred. Experience leading ERP implementations or major systems conversions. Experience preparing organizations for an IPO, public company environment, or SOX readiness. Equal Opportunity Notice Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR and UK GDPR may access our policies here. Representation Notice By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. Additionally, you agree to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. Lastly, you agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR and UK GDPR may access our policies here. #J-18808-Ljbffr