Accounting Director/Controller - Client-Facing

Growth Operators; Minneapolis, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k with employer match

MN Paid Family and Medical Leave

Voluntary disability

Life insurance

Flexible time off

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Growth Operators is seeking an experienced Accounting Director/Controller to lead client engagements, oversee accounting operations, and deliver high-quality advisory services. The role emphasizes leadership, process improvement, and collaboration with multiple clients in a fast-paced environment.

The position involves on-site work in the Minneapolis area with some remote opportunities, offering a diverse slate of industries and a chance to mentor and grow with Growth Operators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required.
• 10+ years progressive accounting experience.
• 5+ years in Controller role in middle market businesses.
• GAAP knowledge and full-cycle accounting expertise.
• Strong MS Excel and ERP systems proficiency.
• Ability to manage multiple clients and projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for client accounting operations and advisory services.
• Oversee accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems; ensure timely financial statements.
• Develop accounting policies and internal controls; streamline processes.
• Lead external audits and client treasury management; mentor accounting teams.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Full-cycle accounting

Leadership

MS Excel

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CPA license (active/inactive)

MBA

Tools

ERP systems

NetSuite

QuickBooks

Job description

Description

• Are you looking for something different than your typical internal Controller or Accounting Director role?
• Do you love to roll up your sleeves and solve problems for others?
• Are you looking to advance your career doing work that showcases your expertise?
• Do you enjoy variety and challenging yourself to learn new things?
• Would you like to gain valuable experience in different industries from different Accounting/Finance leaders and mentors?

If you answered “YES” to these questions, Growth Operators is the place for you!

At Growth Operators:

• Our purpose is to empower growth for our clients.
• Our vision is to be the premier finance and human resources advisory firm for growing companies.
• Our mission is to deploy our collective knowledge and expertise to propel our clients to higher levels of performance.

Our clients hire Growth Operators because we are different. Our people are experienced, industry-proven professionals that we call Growth Pros. We provide accounting, finance, human resources and transaction advisory transformation services that empower our clients to create sustainable growth and value, and we approach our work with our sleeves rolled up. Come grow your career with us!

We are seeking an experienced accounting professional with strong financial acumen as well as leadership skills that is passionate about driving business results for mid-size businesses and delivering high quality client service.

The Accounting Director / Controller serves Growth Operators’ clients, typically under the direction of a Growth Operators Partner or Managing Director, in a leadership role, managing and overseeing accounting operations. Services are provided in the form of advisory services (specific projects) and outsourced services (interim or fractional roles with clients). You will be a key asset to our clients. Work performed by the Accounting Director / Controller on client engagements may include the following:

• Advise, recommend and implement best accounting and finance practices
• Provide oversight of all accounts, ledgers and reporting systems
• Develop and monitor accounting policies as required
• Implement appropriate internal controls
• Assist the Client’s accounting team, revenue, expenditures, cash, and payroll
• Issue timely, accurate, and complete financial statements and analysis monthly and provide the management team with timely reviews of organization’s financial status
• Assist in streamlining accounting processes and procedures post-acquisition
• Cash and treasury management including bank reporting, cash forecasting, bank account maintenance, and banking relationship building
• Lead and coordinate all external financial audit activities and provide recommendations for procedural improvement
• Manage projects to keep on track and identify opportunities to provide additional value to our clients.

Note: This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, might be required.

Required Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience
• 5+ years in the Controller seat in middle market businesses
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Strong experience with full-cycle accounting
• High level of proficiency in MS Excel, various accounting and ERP systems
• Enjoy working with multiple clients in a variety of industries
• Ability to work in a fast-paced collaborative environment with clients and internal team
• Strong project management skills
• Experience planning, executing and delivering projects on time and within budget, ensuring alignment with business goals and stakeholder expectations
• Proven leadership ability, responsible for managing and mentoring accounting teams
• Must be able to spend substantial time in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN area for onsite client work as needed

Preferred Experience

• CPA (active or inactive) and/or MBA
• Quickbooks or NetSuite experience
• Background in mergers, acquisitions and integrations
• Prior engagements in consulting or contract work
• Experience working with private equity-backed companies

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position with some flexibility regarding work schedule and location.
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Environment/ Travel

• The work is performed on-site at client locations, remotely from home, and at Growth Operators' office in downtown Minneapolis.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers and smartphones.
• Travel is primarily local during the business day; some out-of-town and overnight travel is expected.

Benefits/Total Rewards

• Growth Operators offers a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall wellbeing. We are pleased to offer health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k with employer match, MN Paid Family and Medical Leave, voluntary disability, life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance, flexible time off programs, employee assistance programs, and additional perks.
• In addition to the base salary, you will also be eligible to participate in a quarterly incentive program.

ABOUT GROWTH OPERATORS®:

Growth Operators is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

For more information about what it’s like to work for Growth Operators, go to www.growthoperators.com/careers.