Controller

Overview

This is a remote, full-time, exempt Controller role based in the United States (minimal travel anticipated). The employer is employee-owned (ESOP).

The Controller is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the books and the reliability of core financial operations. This individual contributor role has no direct reports and sits at the center of accounting for the employer, its parent company, and affiliated businesses.

The Controller works closely with the Assistant Controller (who manages the day-to-day accounting team) and partners with FP&A, HR, auditors, banking partners, the ESOP trustee, and plan administrators.

Responsibilities

Accounting Operations and Close

• Own the monthly and year-end close for the employer and affiliated entities.
• Maintain ownership of the chart of accounts and ensure general ledger integrity.
• Post journal entries, maintain key balance sheet schedules and reconciliations, and perform complex entries including various accruals and accounting estimates.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies and unusual transactions.

Financial Reporting and Audit

• Prepare consolidated GAAP financial statements.
• Lead the annual financial audit and maintain audit-ready documentation.
• Provide supporting information for and review of tax returns prepared by outside CPAs.

Technical Accounting and Policies

• Maintain and improve GAAP-compliant accounting policies, including revenue recognition (ASC 606).
• Work with auditors and outside advisors to determine and document the treatment of complex or non-routine transactions.

Internal Controls and Systems

• Develop and maintain internal controls.
• Oversee Ajera as the accounting system of record, ensuring key processes are documented.

Cash, Banking, and Payments

• Manage daily cash across different accounts and entities and maintain banking and payment controls.
• Schedule and record weekly vendor payments and scheduled debt, noteholder, and trustee payments.
• Support the CFO on lender relationships and financing activity.

ESOP, Benefit Plans, and Compliance

• Complete the annual ESOP internal loan cycle, review and fund distributions, and lead the annual ESOP audit with review and approval of plan filings.
• Serve as an ESOP administration board-approved member of the ESOP Advisory Committee.
• Manage synthetic equity accounting and repurchase obligations.
• Support the annual valuation.
• Act as limited trustee of the 401(k) plan, ensuring contribution accuracy.
• Provide payroll oversight and controls.
• Complete recurring filings such as 1099s, property tax, and unclaimed property.

Business Partnership and Special Transactions

• Mentor and provide direction to accounting staff.
• Work closely with FP&A and the Assistant Controller on forecasts, priorities, and review standards.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, and Legal on accounting implications of contracts and new arrangements.
• Support accounting for acquisitions and integration.

Reasonable Accommodation

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field
• Active CPA license
• At least 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years of Controller experience with ownership of an organization’s accounting functions
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, with experience in a professional services or project-based business
• Experience closing and consolidating multiple entities
• Experience leading external financial audits
• Experience managing cash, banking relationships, and payment controls
• Excellent attention to detail, judgment, and communication, with the ability to manage numerous recurring deadlines
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency and experience with accounting or ERP systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at an ESOP-owned company
• Experience accounting for debt, including seller notes and warrants
• Experience with multi-state payroll tax and state compliance filings
• Experience with acquisition accounting and post-acquisition integration
• Experience with Deltek Ajera or similar project-based accounting software

Compensation & Benefits

Salary

• $137,500 - $193,300 (full-time, exempt position; national average and will be adjusted based on location)

Benefits and total rewards

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible spending and health savings account options with employer contributions
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement plan with a guaranteed 3% employer contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Annual cash performance bonuses
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Inclusive, flexible holiday policy
• $500 contribution that can be applied to an HSA, FSA, or Lifestyle Spending Account

Location

• Remote, full-time, exempt position located in the United States
• Minimal travel anticipated

Additional Information

• The employer is not able to provide sponsorship for work authorization in the U.S., which includes OPT.
• All application materials must reflect the candidate’s own original work; the use of AI tools is acceptable only when personal experiences and descriptions are accurately and meaningfully represented.
• The employer uses the federal E-Verify system to determine eligibility for work in the United States and conducts post-job offer, pre-employment drug screening.
• Equal Opportunity Employer; employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion and religious practices, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or family, marital, or veteran status.

Application Process

• Submit a current resume.
• Submit a letter of interest describing why the role resonates and how experience makes the candidate a great fit.

(Phone calls are not requested; outside recruiters or agencies are not requested.)