Controller (Full-Time) - East Coast/Eastern Time Zone

Overview

This role owns the accounting function for a creative production studio and its affiliated entities. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller leads a small accounting team, manages the monthly close and reporting cadence, and strengthens internal controls and accounting workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly close, ensuring accurate, timely financial statements, management reports, and variance analysis for CFO review.
• Maintain the rolling cash forecast and annual budget.
• Record payroll journal entries each pay period and reconcile payroll-related liability accounts.
• Review and approve journal entries and account reconciliations prepared by the accounting team.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting processes and internal controls, including vendor setup, vendor payments, corporate card transactions, and expense reports within limits established by the CFO.
• Lead day-to-day audit fieldwork and serve as the primary contact for external auditors.
• Manage accounting for affiliated entities under CFO oversight, including consistent policies and intercompany processes.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff by setting priorities and providing regular feedback.
• Partner with the CFO and Human Resources on hiring and performance matters.
• Lead accounting system implementations and workflow improvements.
• Recommend changes to policies, controls, processes, and systems.
• Provide backup support during team absences or peak periods, and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• At least five years of progressive accounting experience, including at least two to three years as a controller, assistant controller, or accounting manager.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, month-end and year-end close, and internal control frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with accounts payable, account reconciliations, payroll journal entries, and payroll-related liability reconciliations.
• Experience directly supervising accounting staff and coaching junior team members.
• Proficiency with an accounting or ERP system and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to meet recurring deadlines.
• Sound judgment and discretion with confidential financial information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial data to non-finance leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to improve accounting workflows and work independently while remaining accountable to the CFO.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA license or active CPA candidacy.
• Multi-entity, subsidiary, or cross-border accounting experience.
• Experience with corporate card and expense management platforms.
• Experience leading or coordinating external financial audits.
• Background in ecommerce, retail, media or production, or creative services.

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical coverage, with both PPO and high-deductible health plan options.
• Dental coverage and vision coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• PTO accrual starting at 15 days per year.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Company-paid basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Company-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to employees and their households.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, plus an HSA option for eligible employees enrolled in the high-deductible health plan.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits and access to discounted voluntary pet insurance.
• Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan terms.

Location

• Only candidates located on the East Coast/Eastern Time Zone will be considered.
• Recurring deadlines, including monthly close, may require extended hours during peak periods.
• Collaboration with ownership and leadership across multiple time zones, including international locations, requires some early-morning or late-day availability.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Typical office environment with regular computer use and standard office equipment; collaboration through video calls and shared digital tools.
• Work involves prolonged desk and computer use, operating standard office equipment, reading detailed financial information, and communicating in person and remotely.
• Occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and lifting or moving office supplies up to 15 pounds may be required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodations

The employer provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources.