Controller

Overview

An independent game publisher focused on high-quality creative works is seeking a Controller to serve as the senior accounting leader. This role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of financial records, managing the month-end close process, and ensuring strong financial controls. The Controller will work closely with the CEO and an outside fractional CFO to provide accurate, decision-ready financial information to leadership and investors.

This is a hands-on position requiring proficiency in QuickBooks Online and ownership of the full accounting cycle. The Controller will build and lead the accounting team as the company grows.

Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Close

• Manage the general ledger and oversee month-end and year-end close processes in QuickBooks Online, including journal entries, accruals, prepaids, deferrals, and intercompany transactions.
• Deliver accurate and timely financial closes within 7–10 business days, providing clean reporting packages for leadership and investors.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, expense management, corporate card programs, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and ensure compliance with GAAP policies, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), royalties and revenue sharing with studios, capitalized software/game development costs, and stock-based compensation.
• Track recoupment across a large product catalog, prepare accurate royalty statements for development partners, and provide transparent reporting on advances, revenue share, and deal-level profit and loss.

Controls, Audit & Compliance

• Design and maintain internal controls suitable for the company’s growth stage, focusing on audit readiness and scalability.
• Manage the annual audit or review process and act as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee federal, state, and local tax compliance in collaboration with external tax advisors, including sales/use tax, multi-state nexus, and 1099 reporting.
• Manage entity setup and compliance, including state registrations as operations expand.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Strategic Finance, Fundraising & M&A Support

• Collaborate with the fractional CFO and CEO on investor updates, capitalization table support, and fundraising activities.
• Support mergers and acquisitions, including financial due diligence, quality-of-earnings preparation, and post-close integration of acquired entities.
• Assist in modeling and reviewing publishing deal structures (advances, recoupment, revenue share, minimum guarantees) from accounting and reporting perspectives.

Team Building

• Define, recruit, and hire the first direct accounting report within 6-12 months.
• Expand the accounting organization as the business grows, including evaluating and implementing systems beyond QuickBooks when necessary (e.g., NetSuite).

Requirements

• CPA certification with an active license in good standing.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting and in-house roles at high-growth companies.
• Experience at Series A/B stage startups as a senior accounting leader or key contributor, with understanding of investor and board expectations.
• Expertise in QuickBooks Online, capable of managing a clean close and knowledgeable about transitioning to larger ERP systems.
• M&A experience supporting at least one transaction, including financial due diligence, quality-of-earnings, working capital true-ups, or post-close integration.
• Strong technical accounting skills, including US GAAP, ASC 606 revenue recognition, capitalized software costs, and stock-based compensation.
• Builder mindset with the ability to perform hands-on work and lead, mentor, and grow a team.
• Excellent communication skills to translate accounting concepts for CEOs, boards, and non-finance audiences without losing accuracy.
• Must reside in Colorado, North Carolina, or Texas and be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in gaming, interactive entertainment, or digital media sectors.
• Familiarity with gaming revenue models such as in-app purchases, subscriptions, premium downloads, store revenue share (Apple, Google, Steam, consoles), and royalty/revenue share with development studios.
• Experience implementing or migrating to mid-market ERP systems like NetSuite or Sage Intacct.
• Multi-entity or international accounting experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $130,000 - $180,000, depending on experience and location.
• Meaningful equity stake aligned with the seniority of the role.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Remote-first work environment.
• Clear growth path to lead an expanding accounting and finance team.

Location

• Fully remote position.
• Candidates must reside in Colorado, North Carolina, or Texas.
• Occasional light travel for team off-sites and events may be required.