Controller

Kiddie Academy; Bel Air (MD); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% company-paid medical and life ins

100% company-paid dental and vision

401K with 4% employer match

Paid parental leave

Generous paid time off

Volunteer time off

Work-from-home days allowance

Job summary

Kiddie Academy is seeking a seasoned Controller to lead the company’s financial policies, accounting practices, internal controls, and fiscal recordkeeping. You will oversee AR/AP, support the annual budgeting process, file state reports, and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.

Based in our Bel Air, Maryland Corporate Office, you will mentor accounting staff and drive accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across the finance organization.

Qualifications

• CPA preferred and active licensure.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience with multi-state tax compliance and reporting.
• Experience managing accounting for multiple legal entities.
• Advanced Excel and ERP systems proficiency.
• Strong attention to detail and professional judgement.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain company financial policies and internal controls.
• Oversee accounts receivable and accounts payable functions.
• Support annual budgeting process and state filings.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Provide leadership and development to accounting personnel.
• Foster accountability and continuous improvement across the finance organization.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Multi-state tax

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

CPA preferred

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

ERP software

Job description

This is a rewarding long-term career opportunity to work with all levels of the Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care corporate team, as well as our franchisees as they make an impact in communities across the country.As the Controller, you will be responsible for implementing and maintaining the Company's financial policies, accounting practices, internal controls, and fiscal recordkeeping processes. You will oversee the accounts receivable and accounts payable functions, help support the annual budgeting process, complete various state filings and ensure the accuracy and timely completion of financial reporting. Additionally, you will provide leadership and development to various accounting personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

This position is based in our Corporate Office located in Bel Air, Maryland.

Why us?

Since its inception in 1981, Kiddie Academy® has been recognized as a leading brand in educational child care. In 2025, we ranked #86 in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® Ranking and have been included in the top 10 “Best Places to Work” according to Baltimore Business Journal for five consecutive years.

Kiddie Academy routinely ranks among the top franchising companies and providers in the child care category. We currently support 345+ Academies operating in 39 states and the District of Columbia, and more than 75 locations in various stages of development.

Kiddie Academy’s core values—integrity, relationships, passion, curiosity, responsibility, and impact—serve as the foundation of expectations we hold for our employees and for those we hire. Our values emphasize doing what is right rather than what is easy, fostering strong and positive community connections, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning and growth.

Integrity guides every decision; relationships are built through nurturing connections; passion drives our dedication and energy; curiosity fuels exploration and discovery; responsibility reflects our commitment to education and community improvement; and impact represents our goal of making a lasting, positive difference in the lives of children and our families.

Benefits you’ll love:

• Salary Range of $160,000 to $180,000 annually
• 100% company-paid medical and life insurance for you
• 100% company-paid dental and vision for you
• 401K and 4% employer match upon eligibility
• Paid parental leave
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, PTO and holidays
• Paid volunteer time off to support local nonprofits
• We value in-person collaboration at our corporate headquarters, and offer flexibility through an allowance of work from home days

Why you?

You are an experienced professional with a positive outlook and a passion for making an impact.You are looking for a long-term career opportunity with a company that is committed to work-life balance, and that promotes a culture of respect, kindness and transparency. You thrive in a collaborative environment, communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, and excel at managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

Your Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
• CPA preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting requirements.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role managing and developing accounting staff. A combination of public accounting and corporate accounting experience is preferred.
• Experience with multi-state tax compliance and reporting.
• Experience managing accounting and reporting for multiple legal entities.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and sound professional judgment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems; experience with ERP implementations or system conversions is a plus.