Controller
firstPRO, Inc · Bala-Cynwyd, PA
Tailor my CV for this job — freePosition Description: Controller
One of our profitable, high-growth portfolio companies is on pace to exceed $40 million in annual revenue, creating the need for a dedicated finance and accounting function to support its continued growth. Over time, additional portfolio companies will be integrated into this business group, expanding the scope and complexity of its financial operations.Working in partnership with the holding company CFO and Controller, the Controller will help establish, lead, and continuously improve the finance and accounting function for this growing group of businesses. The role will assume increasing responsibility for financial reporting, accounting operations, internal controls, financial analysis, and business support as functions transition from the holding company’s existing support team to a dedicated operating-company team.In addition to supporting the initial business group, the Controller will likely also support a separate portfolio business with approximately $30 million in annual revenue and significant foreign currency exchange activity. This additional responsibility will introduce further complexity in transaction accounting, currency-related reconciliations, foreign exchange gains and losses, and financial reporting. The Controller will help ensure that appropriate accounting practices, reporting processes, and controls are in place across the businesses under their responsibility.As the senior accounting professional within the business group, the Controller will provide financial leadership and oversight while maintaining a practical, hands-on approach to the accounting function. The ideal candidate can establish sound financial processes, identify opportunities to improve systems and controls, and partner with business leadership on financial performance, while also being willing and able to perform detailed accounting work when business needs require it. This is a working Controller role in a lean organization, where the ability to move effectively between strategic oversight and day-to-day execution is essential.The Controller will also collaborate with colleagues across finance, HR, treasury, legal, risk management, and other functional areas to support the businesses’ operational needs and continued growth.The successful candidate will be a proactive, accountable self-starter with strong technical accounting knowledge, sound business judgment, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to operate independently in a dynamic, evolving environment.Key Responsibilities1. Accounting Leadership and Financial OperationsLead the accounting function for the assigned portfolio businesses, establishing consistent processes, clear accountability, and reliable financial information.Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll-related accounting, general ledger activities, and other core accounting operations.Establish appropriate procedures for billing, collections, cash application, vendor payments, expense processing, and related reconciliations.Assess existing accounting processes and implement improvements to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and internal controls.Maintain an appropriate balance between oversight and direct execution, personally handling transactions, reconciliations, journal entries, or other detailed accounting activities when necessary.Develop and document accounting policies, procedures, and workflows appropriate to the size, complexity, and growth of the businesses.2. Financial Close and ReportingOwn and continuously improve the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent reporting.Establish and maintain financial reporting processes that comply with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).Oversee the general ledger, journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, and preparation of financial statements.Identify accounting gaps, resolve complex accounting issues, and implement procedures to improve the quality and timeliness of financial information.Ensure financial results are appropriately supported, reconciled, and available to management at established reporting intervals.Coordinate with the parent company finance team to align reporting requirements, accounting policies, and consolidation or other reporting needs.3. Financial Planning, Analysis, and Business PartnershipPartner with business leadership to evaluate financial performance, understand key operating drivers, and support informed business decisions.Oversee the development of budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and other financial plans in collaboration with management.Provide meaningful analysis of actual results against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities.Develop and improve management reporting, financial metrics, and performance indicators that support operational accountability and strategic planning.Proactively identify opportunities to improve profitability, working capital, cash management, and operating efficiency.Translate financial results into actionable insights for both financial and non-financial stakeholders.4. Multi-Company and Foreign Currency AccountingSupport the financial management and accounting requirements of multiple portfolio businesses as the scope of the role evolves.In addition to the primary business group, the role will likely include accounting and financial reporting support for a separate business with approximately $30 million in annual revenue and significant foreign currency exchange activity.Oversee or perform appropriate accounting for foreign currency transactions, including transaction recording, currency-related reconciliations, and the recognition and reporting of foreign exchange gains and losses, as applicable.Ensure foreign currency balances, transaction activity, and related financial reporting are appropriately reconciled and supported in accordance with applicable accounting standards.Evaluate and strengthen accounting processes and controls associated with foreign currency transactions, cash balances, and related exposures.Coordinate with business leaders, treasury personnel, banking partners, and external advisors, as appropriate, to address currency-related accounting and reporting requirements.Help establish scalable accounting practices that accommodate additional businesses, increased transaction volumes, and evolving operational complexity.5. Internal Controls, Compliance, and Risk ManagementMaintain the integrity and reliability of financial records through effective accounting policies, procedures, reconciliations, and internal controls.Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax-related reporting requirements, company policies, and other relevant regulations.Identify financial and operational risks and implement practical controls to protect company assets and improve the reliability of reporting.Coordinate with the parent company finance team, external accountants, tax advisors, auditors, and other third parties to support reporting, compliance, and related activities.Maintain appropriate documentation and supporting schedules for financial statements, tax filings, audits, and other reporting requirements.Promote a culture of accountability, financial discipline, and continuous improvement across the businesses.6. Cash Management and Cross-Functional SupportOversee accounting-related aspects of cash management, working capital, receivables, payables, and cash flow forecasting.Coordinate with business leadership and the parent company finance team on banking activities, liquidity needs, and treasury-related matters.Partner with HR to support payroll processing, compensation-related accounting, and associated reconciliations.Collaborate with legal, risk management, and other functional leaders on matters requiring financial analysis, accounting support, or appropriate documentation.Help ensure that financial and administrative processes support business continuity, operational effectiveness, and growth.7. Team Leadership and Organizational DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop accounting personnel, establishing clear responsibilities, appropriate review procedures, and performance expectations.Build the capabilities and structure of a lean accounting team as responsibilities transition from the holding company and the business group expands.Establish appropriate segregation of duties, review processes, and accountability while maintaining flexibility in a lean operating environment.Identify opportunities to improve team productivity through better processes, systems, automation, and training.Foster effective collaboration across the organization and maintain strong working relationships with the parent company finance team and operating-company leadership.Provide hands-on guidance and support to team members, particularly during financial close, process transitions, and other periods of increased workload.QualificationsEducation and CredentialsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.CPA or CMA certification preferred.ExperienceMinimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including meaningful responsibility for financial reporting, month-end close, and accounting operations.Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or in a comparable accounting leadership role preferred.Demonstrated experience establishing, improving, or managing accounting processes in a growing business or lean finance organization.Experience supporting multiple legal entities or operating businesses preferred.Experience with foreign currency transactions, foreign exchange accounting, or multi-currency financial reporting strongly preferred.Experience supervising, mentoring, or developing accounting personnel.Technical KnowledgeStrong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, general ledger accounting, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, and internal controls.Familiarity with accounting for foreign currency transactions and related gains and losses preferred.Proficiency with accounting systems such as QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, or comparable platforms.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to analyze and interpret financial data.Experience improving accounting systems, reporting processes, and financial controls.Core CompetenciesAbility to operate at both a strategic and detailed execution level, providing financial leadership while remaining comfortable performing hands-on accounting work.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.Sound judgment and the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions.Strong ownership mentality, initiative, and ability to work independently in a changing business environment.Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders.Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with executives, business leaders, staff, and external advisors.Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities across multiple businesses while meeting reporting deadlines and maintaining high standards of quality.Working ConditionsWork Environment: This is an office-based position requiring an in-person presence at the company’s primary office just outside Center City Philadelphia approximately 3–4 days per week. Regular on-site collaboration with business leadership and the finance team is an important part of the role.Travel: Approximately one day per month at the Jersey Shore will be required to support business operations and meet with relevant stakeholders. Additional occasional business travel may be necessary.Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, during Eastern Time Zone business hours, with additional time as needed to meet reporting deadlines and business requirements.Work Style: The role requires flexibility, independent judgment, and a willingness to move between financial leadership, analytical responsibilities, and hands-on accounting work as business needs dictate. The Controller must be comfortable managing competing priorities across multiple businesses while maintaining strong working relationships with business leadership and the finance team.Base to $160K plus annual bonus