Controller

Our client, a residential, service-based organization, is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Controller to lead and scale the company's accounting function during a period of significant organic and acquisition-driven growth across a national footprint. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will build a best-in-class accounting organization, establish scalable processes and controls, and create the financial infrastructure necessary to support a KPI-driven organic growth model that is boosted with ongoing M&A integration and geographic expansion. This role extends well beyond traditional accounting oversight. The Controller is the company's senior technical accounting authority and the owner of the finance operating model. The Controller drives process improvement, system implementation, automation, and documentation of policies and procedures across all accounting functions. Scope The Controller owns the integrity of the numbers: the close, consolidation, controls, technical accounting, treasury operations, systems, and audit/diligence readiness. The Controller does not own capital strategy, financing, M&A deal leadership, the board/investor/lender narrative, or the integrated financial forecast; those remain with the CFO and FP&A. Where the two meet, the Controller produces and reconciles; the CFO and FP&A interpret and present. Key Responsibilities Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting. Lead preparation of consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules; produce the monthly reporting package and own the accuracy of reported actuals. Own multi-entity consolidation, intercompany elimination, and maintenance of the intercompany matrix across a growing legal-entity structure. Develop and maintain a disciplined close calendar and accountability framework, targeting a 5-business-day close by month 6 and 4 days by month 12. Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies; serve as first-line technical accounting resource, with the CFO retaining final policy sign-off. Coordinate external audits and serve as the primary accounting contact for auditors. Establish a reporting environment that produces reliable, timely, and reconciled financial data as the single source of truth for FP&A and management reporting. Own the monthly fixed-asset roll-forward: capitalization of additions and construction-in-progress, disposals and retirements with associated gain/loss, and reconcile to the general ledger each period. Oversee bank reconciliations, account reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, payroll accounting, and recurring journal entries; ensure 100 percent of balance-sheet reconciliations are complete and reviewed monthly. Own ASC 606 revenue recognition for recurring service subscriptions, bundled re-services, and one-time jobs; including the deferred-revenue waterfall, contract-liability accounting, and operational-to-GL revenue reconciliation process. Process Improvement, Controls & Transaction Readiness Refine and document scalable accounting policies, procedures, and standard operating processes across all accounting functions; maintain the standard chart of accounts and close calendar to which every future acquisition is conformed. Establish a strong internal control environment and implement best practices that support future audit, owner, and investor diligence requirements. Lead initiatives to improve reporting consistency, accounting data governance, and process efficiency. Create audit-ready workpapers, reconciliations, supporting schedules, and documentation packages. Evaluate and strengthen segregation of duties, approval workflows, and financial governance; where full segregation is not yet feasible at current headcount, implement documented compensating controls and a roadmap to segregate as the team scales. Own purchase accounting (ASC 805): opening balance sheets, fair-value measurement of acquired intangibles and goodwill with third-party valuation specialists, and post-close true-ups. Own accounting integration of acquired entities: migration to the standard chart of accounts and close calendar, subledger conversion, and wind-down of seller transition services. Assist the CFO in preparing quality-of-earnings support schedules, working capital analyses, lender reporting packages, and other information requested during M&A and diligence. Establish key accounting metrics, KPIs, and reporting standards for the accounting function. Accounting Operations Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and treasury functions. Monitor AR aging, write-offs, chargebacks, and collection exception items. Manage vendor payment processes, cash disbursement controls, and approval workflows. Oversee payroll accounting, incentive compensation calculations, payroll reconciliations, and related compliance activities. Maintain fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, debt amortization schedules, and supporting schedules. Oversee 1099 reporting, year-end compliance, and coordination with external tax providers. Treasury & Cash Management Monitor company liquidity and cash flow performance. Oversee daily cash management activities and banking relationships. Manage credit facilities, debt reporting requirements, and covenant compliance. Own the 13-week direct cash-flow forecast and covenant-driven liquidity monitoring. Maintain controls around cash movement, bank account administration, and treasury operations. Systems, Automation & Finance Infrastructure Lead accounting ownership of ERP implementation, optimization, and future system enhancements, selecting for multi-entity consolidation and intercompany automation. Drive adoption of automation and AI-enabled tools that reduce manual processes and improve accuracy. Oversee integration of operational, payroll, banking, expense management, and accounting systems. Maintain the chart of accounts, reporting structures, and financial data governance standards as the source of truth. Continuously evaluate technologies that enhance reporting, improve controls, and increase operational efficiency. Build scalable systems and workflows capable of supporting future growth, acquisitions, and increasing reporting requirements. Lead, mentor, and develop members of the accounting team. Directly supervise the Staff Accountant and part-time Tax Compliance resource, plus future accounting hires. Establish performance expectations, accountability measures, and career development plans. Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding accounting personnel. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ownership, operational excellence, and customer service. First-Year Mandate & Success Metrics The Controller will be evaluated against defined outcomes, not activity: Close compressed to 5 business days (month 6) and 4 (month 12), with a published calendar and owner-level accountability. Zero material post-close audit adjustments; balance-sheet reconciliations 100 percent complete and reviewed monthly. Documented policy/procedure library and controls matrix in place within two quarters. ERP selected/implemented to milestone; operational-to-GL revenue reconciliation automated and tied out monthly. First acquisition integrated onto the standard chart of accounts and close calendar within a defined window of closing. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required. 7+ years of progressive accounting experience with increasing leadership responsibility. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, month-end close, and internal controls, including ASC 606 revenue recognition and ASC 805 business combinations. Demonstrated success building scalable accounting processes, implementing controls, and driving organizational improvement initiatives. Experience leading accounting operations within a multi-location, service-based, and/or high-growth organization, including multi-entity consolidation. Experience supporting organizations with $50MM+ in annual revenue. Familiarity with audit preparation, lender reporting, private equity readiness, transaction support, or M&A-related diligence, and hands-on experience with purchase accounting and post-acquisition integration. Experience with ERP implementations, systems optimization, and accounting technology platforms. Familiarity with platforms such as NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Bill.com, Avalara, Paylocity, Power BI, or similar solutions. Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills. Excellent communication, leadership, and team development abilities. Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Experience in a private equity-backed, acquisitive, or rapidly growing company environment is highly desirable. #J-18808-Ljbffr