Certified Public Accountant

Confidential; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a Controller to lead the finance function for a professional services firm in Bridgeville, PA. The role focuses on accounting operations, payroll, billing, and compliance within a hybrid work environment.

Ideal candidate has 7–10 years in accounting/finance, experience in professional services, and strong knowledge of internal controls and financial reporting. Collaboration with leadership and external partners is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 7–10 years of progressive accounting or finance experience required.
• Experience managing payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable required.
• Experience working within a professional services environment (public accounting, legal, or consulting firm) required.
• Public accounting experience preferred but not required.
• Experience with employee benefits administration and payroll systems required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting and finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, and banking relationships.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements, forecasts, budgets, profitability analyses, and leadership reporting packages.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances and trends, and recommend strategies to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop annual budgets and support long-term financial planning.
• Manage payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and related compliance requirements.
• Administer 401(k) plan activities, annual testing, Form 5500 reviews, and employee benefit programs.
• Oversee employee onboarding and offboarding processes related to payroll, benefits, and financial systems.
• Manage client billing operations, work-in-process (WIP) reporting, invoicing accuracy, and collection performance.
• Monitor employee time-entry compliance and billing readiness.
• Oversee firm licensing, insurance renewals, state reporting requirements, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Coordinate with external tax preparers, legal advisors, auditors, and other professional service providers.
• Prepare or coordinate annual information reporting, including Forms 1099 and applicable tax filings.
• Develop, implement, and improve internal controls, workflows, policies, and financial procedures.
• Participate in firm benchmarking initiatives, surveys, and strategic planning activities.
• Provide financial and operational insights to support executive decision-making.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with internal policies and industry best practices.

Skills

Accounting

Finance

Payroll

Budgeting

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Microsoft Office

QuickBooks

Job description

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting operations for a professional services firm while providing leadership for the finance department. This role focuses on five primary responsibilities: managing accounting and financial operations, overseeing payroll and benefits administration, directing billing and revenue cycle management, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk management, and providing strategic financial guidance to firm leadership. This position is critical in maintaining the firm's financial health, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting operational efficiency, and delivering accurate financial reporting and analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all accounting and finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, and banking relationships
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements, forecasts, budgets, profitability analyses, and leadership reporting packages
• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances and trends, and recommend strategies to improve profitability and operational efficiency
• Partner with executive leadership to develop annual budgets and support long-term financial planning
• Manage payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and related compliance requirements
• Administer 401(k) plan activities, annual testing, Form 5500 reviews, and employee benefit programs
• Oversee employee onboarding and offboarding processes related to payroll, benefits, and financial systems
• Manage client billing operations, work-in-process (WIP) reporting, invoicing accuracy, and collection performance
• Monitor employee time-entry compliance and billing readiness
• Oversee firm licensing, insurance renewals, state reporting requirements, and regulatory compliance activities
• Coordinate with external tax preparers, legal advisors, auditors, and other professional service providers
• Prepare or coordinate annual information reporting, including Forms 1099 and applicable tax filings
• Develop, implement, and improve internal controls, workflows, policies, and financial procedures
• Participate in firm benchmarking initiatives, surveys, and strategic planning activities
• Provide financial and operational insights to support executive decision-making
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with internal policies and industry best practices

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive accounting or finance experience required
• Experience managing payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable required
• Experience working within a professional services environment (public accounting, legal, or consulting firm) required
• Public accounting experience preferred but not required
• Experience with employee benefits administration and payroll systems required

Special Requirements:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and accounting or practice management software
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive financial and employee information
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to commute to and work in a hybrid environment in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting expertise
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyze financial data and provide actionable recommendations
• Strong knowledge of payroll, benefits administration, and compliance requirements
• Experience with billing operations, revenue cycle management, and profitability analysis
• Strong understanding of internal controls and financial best practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across departments
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and meet deadlines
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with leadership teams
• Solution-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement

Additional Desired Characteristics:

• Experience in public accounting or professional services firms
• Experience supporting executive leadership with strategic financial planning
• Familiarity with industry benchmarking and operational performance metrics
• Interest in process improvement and operational efficiency initiatives
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

This position operates in a professional services firm environment and works closely with executive leadership, client service teams, and administrative staff. The role follows a hybrid work arrangement and may require additional hours during peak financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, and compliance periods.