Financial Controller job description

Job brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Financial Controller to lead our finance department and drive the financial integrity of our rapidly scaling organization. You will take full ownership of our accounting operations, from implementing robust internal controls to refining our forecasting models. This role offers the opportunity to partner directly with our executive team to influence high-stakes investment decisions and long-term financial strategy. If you are a CPA with a passion for precision and data-driven growth, we invite you to help us build a world-class finance function.

What is a Financial Controller?

A Financial Controller is a senior finance professional who oversees the core accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls of an organization. By maintaining the general ledger and ensuring adherence to GAAP or IFRS standards, a Financial Controller provides the accuracy necessary for high-level strategic decision-making. Their work is essential for identifying financial risks, managing cash flow, and providing stakeholders with the transparent data needed to scale business operations sustainably.

What does a Financial Controller do?

A Financial Controller manages the month-end close process, reviews account reconciliations, and prepares comprehensive financial statements for executive leadership. They utilize ERP systems like NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle to track departmental budgets, conduct variance analysis, and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency. Daily tasks involve coordinating with external auditors for annual compliance, managing tax filings, and translating complex financial data into actionable insights for the C-suite and board members.

Key responsibilities

• Direct the month-end and year-end close processes to ensure the timely delivery of accurate, GAAP-compliant financial statements.
• Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll functions to maintain total accounting integrity.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models in Excel to support annual budgeting, quarterly re-forecasting, and long-term cash flow planning.
• Lead the annual external audit process, acting as the primary liaison with audit firms and ensuring all documentation meets regulatory standards.
• Perform deep-dive variance analysis to identify discrepancies between actual results and budget, recommending corrective actions to executive management.
• Implement and refine internal controls to mitigate financial risk and prevent fraud across all company banking and investment activities.
• Partner with department heads to track departmental burn rates and optimize resource allocation based on real-time financial reporting.
• Manage tax compliance and regulatory filings, ensuring the organization adheres to all federal, state, and local fiscal requirements.

Requirements and skills

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) license required for professional oversight.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics; a Master’s degree in Business Administration is highly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in corporate accounting, with at least 2 years in a Controller or Assistant Controller role.
• Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex modeling, pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and advanced financial macro development.
• Hands-on experience managing enterprise-grade ERP software such as NetSuite, Sage Intacct, SAP, or Oracle Financials.
• Comprehensive knowledge of US GAAP or IFRS standards and the ability to interpret complex accounting pronouncements.
• Demonstrated track record of scaling accounting processes for organizations managing portfolios or revenue exceeding $20M annually.
• Exceptional ability to synthesize technical financial data into high-level briefings for non-financial stakeholders and executive leadership.

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