Controller

Overview

This role serves as the organization’s senior financial leader and performs responsibilities typically associated with a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The position provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial activities, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis, cash management, risk management, internal controls, compliance, and financial reporting.

The organization operates a growing CPA firm alongside multiple affiliated companies, creating a dynamic and complex financial environment. Priorities may shift quickly, and the Controller must be comfortable balancing multiple entities, competing priorities, deadlines, and strategic initiatives while ensuring strong financial stewardship across the organization.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Controller partners with firm and affiliate leadership to develop and execute financial strategies that support organizational objectives, drive operational excellence, and help ensure long-term financial sustainability. Success in this position requires the ability to translate complex financial and operational data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with executive leadership on strategic planning, organizational growth initiatives, and major business decisions.
• Evaluate the financial implications of operational initiatives, investments, acquisitions, expansion opportunities, and strategic projects.
• Provide recommendations grounded in sound financial analysis and business intelligence.
• Lead long-term financial planning efforts to support organizational sustainability and growth.
• Present financial performance, forecasts, key metrics, and strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and long-term objectives.

Financial Planning, Analysis & Business Intelligence

• Lead the annual budget development process and ongoing forecasting activities.
• Develop and maintain financial models, forecasts, and business planning tools.
• Analyze profitability, revenue trends, labor costs, utilization metrics, productivity measures, and operational performance.
• Design, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and scorecards.
• Conduct variance analyses and provide recommendations to improve business performance.
• Lead scenario planning and sensitivity analyses to evaluate financial risks and opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for revenue growth, cost optimization, and process improvements through data-driven analysis.
• Translate financial and operational data into meaningful insights for firm leaders and stakeholders.
• Leverage reporting systems and business intelligence tools to enhance decision-making capabilities.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Direct all accounting operations for the CPA firm and affiliated entities.
• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed asset management.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes.
• Coordinate annual audits and preparation of required financial reports and tax filings.
• Ensure financial reporting accuracy, integrity, and transparency across all entities.

Treasury, Cash Management & Risk Management

• Lead cash flow forecasting and liquidity management activities.
• Manage banking relationships and financing arrangements.
• Oversee debt obligations, capital expenditures, and organizational investments.
• Develop strategies to optimize working capital and cash utilization.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Establish and maintain effective internal controls, financial policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Monitor financial governance practices and compliance initiatives.
• Protect organizational assets through strong financial controls and oversight.
• Implement corrective actions resulting from audits, reviews, or compliance assessments.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, develop, coach, and mentor finance and accounting team members.
• Establish departmental goals, objectives, and performance expectations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and service.
• Support succession planning and professional development initiatives.
• Lead financial, operational, and cross-functional projects from planning through implementation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience.
• Three to five years of leadership or management experience.
• Significant experience overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, and internal controls.
• Thorough understanding of GAAP and financial management best practices.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate financial information effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong technology aptitude and the ability to leverage financial systems and reporting tools.
• Ability to manage confidential financial information with professionalism and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• MBA or other advanced business degree.
• Experience within a CPA firm, professional services organization, or similarly complex multi-entity environment.
• Experience with ERP systems, financial reporting software, and business intelligence platforms.
• Experience using Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics tools.
• Experience overseeing multiple entities, locations, or affiliated organizations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salaried role with unlimited PTO.
• Expected to work 2,110 hours per year.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• FSA/HSA account options.
• 401(k) employer matching program.
• Tuition reimbursement, CPA assistance, and professional growth opportunities through continuing education.
• Supplemental insurance options for life, AD&D, STD, LTD, and critical illness.
• Bonuses for bringing new clients and team members to the CPA firm and affiliated companies.
• Opportunities for upward mobility and career growth in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

Location

• Open to candidates working from any office location.
• A fully remote work arrangement may be considered for the right candidate.
• Travel to the Baraboo, WI HQ office 5–8 times a year will be required.

Hiring Process

• Apply with your resume.
• Qualified candidates will complete a phone screen with HR followed by an interview with firm leadership.