Controller

Controller

Job Location: Pikesville, MD in office

Company: STEPS Behavioral Health

Company Description: Founded in 2008, STEPS Behavioral Health is committed to helping families and individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities achieve their goals. We specialize in using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to guide learning and behavioral interventions.

Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Controller/Comptroller to lead our financial operations and reporting functions. This role is ideal for a hands-on, strategic finance professional with a strong background in mid-market organizations who can deliver accurate financial insights while driving process improvements and automation.

Compensation: $130-$150 annually, based on experience and qualifications, with sign on bonus, and commission incentives.

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for leading the Company's accounting and finance functions, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and strategic management of the organization's financial operations. This role oversees all accounting activities while providing financial leadership through budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and long-term financial planning. The Controller partners closely with executive leadership to provide meaningful financial insights that support operational performance, organizational growth, and strategic decision-making.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in both accounting and corporate finance, with a proven ability to manage day-to-day accounting operations while serving as a strategic financial advisor. This position requires a hands-on leader who can improve financial processes, implement automation, strengthen internal controls, and develop scalable financial systems for a growing organization.

This is a full-time, on-site position based at the STEPS Behavioral Health Administrative Office.

Essential Responsibilities:

Accounting Leadership

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, account reconciliations, and month-end/year-end close.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Prepare detailed financial reporting by entity, department, clinic, and profit center.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies to safeguard Company assets and ensure financial integrity.
• Coordinate audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting requirements.

Financial Management & Analysis

• Lead the Company's budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and long-range financial planning processes.
• Analyze financial performance, identify trends, and provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Develop financial models, dashboards, and reporting tools that support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Perform profitability analysis, variance analysis, and key performance indicator (KPI) reporting.
• Monitor financial performance and recommend opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, and resource allocation.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify opportunities to automate financial processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Lead implementation and optimization of financial systems, reporting tools, and accounting technology.
• Develop scalable financial processes that support organizational growth.
• Ensure financial data integrity across all systems and reporting platforms.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to accounting and finance staff.
• Partner with Human Resources, Operations, Clinical Leadership, Billing, Client Services, and Executive Leadership to support organizational initiatives.
• Present financial reports and recommendations to senior leadership in a clear and actionable manner.
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor by translating complex financial information into practical business insights.

Daily Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations and financial transactions.
• Review financial reports, reconciliations, and account activity.
• Monitor cash flow and financial performance.
• Support leadership with financial analysis and operational decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Company policies and accounting standards.

Weekly Responsibilities

• Review financial statements, KPIs, and operational metrics.
• Monitor budget performance and financial forecasts.
• Meet with executive leadership regarding financial performance and strategic initiatives.
• Review accounting processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide coaching and support to accounting and finance team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience, including experience as a Controller or senior financial leader within a mid-sized or growing organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in both accounting operations and corporate finance, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and strategic financial management.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting standards, and internal controls.
• Experience preparing financial statements by profit center, department, or multiple business entities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, forecasting, and advanced reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems, accounting software, and financial system implementations.
• Proven success implementing automation and improving financial processes.
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, ABA, or multi-location service organizations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial planning.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information and provide actionable business recommendations.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Ability to balance strategic financial planning with hands-on operational accounting responsibilities.
• Commitment to continuous process improvement and operational excellence.

Benefits

At STEPS Behavioral Health, we value our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligible employees may enjoy:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a Generous Company Match
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Federal Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave (in accordance with Company policy)

Eligibility for benefits is subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans and Company policies.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by the ability to:

• Maintain accurate, timely, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting across all entities and profit centers.
• Deliver meaningful financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic recommendations that support executive decision-making.
• Successfully lead both the accounting and finance functions while maintaining strong internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Improve financial processes through automation, technology, and operational efficiencies.
• Develop reliable budgets, forecasts, and cash flow strategies that support organizational growth.
• Build scalable financial systems and reporting structures to support a growing multi-location organization.
• Foster collaboration across departments while serving as a trusted financial partner to executive leadership.

Why Join Us:

• Flexible work environment (remote or hybrid options available)
• Opportunity to have a direct impact on financial strategy and operations
• Collaborative leadership team and growth-focused environment
• Ability to drive meaningful process improvements and automation

Apply Today:

If you're a detail-oriented, forward-thinking finance professional ready to take ownership of a high-impact role, we'd love to hear from you.