Controller

GHJ Search and Staffing; California; On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

GHJ Search and Staffing is recruiting for a Controller / Director of Finance to own daily accounting operations and scale the finance function for growth. You will lead a team of 8–9 accountants, drive automation, and modernize controls.

The role reports to the Managing Partner and emphasizes strategic partnership with senior leadership to align financial and operational priorities as the firm expands.

Qualifications

• Significant progressive accounting and finance experience with leadership responsibility.
• Professional services industry experience required.
• Strong operational accounting and month-end close expertise.
• Experience managing and developing accounting teams.
• Proven success improving processes, controls and workflows.
• Experience with automation and accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Own and continuously improve the month-end close process.
• Provide leadership and development to the accounting team.
• Strengthen processes, controls and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for automation and improved reporting.
• Partner with senior leadership on financial priorities and growth.

Skills

Leadership

Operational accounting

Automation

ERP experience

Communication

Education

CPA credential preferred

Tools

ProLaw

Aderant

ERP systems

Job description

GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ’s relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential.

A rapidly growing professional services firm is seeking a Controller / Director of Finance to take ownership of its day-to-day accounting operations and help build a more scalable, technology-forward finance function. This is a high-visibility leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong operational accounting expertise with an innovative mindset and wants the ability to make a meaningful impact as the organization continues to grow.

Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, this role will lead operational accounting, oversee and improve the month-end close, and provide leadership to an accounting team of approximately 8-9 professionals. The ideal candidate will bring fresh ideas around automation, systems, controls, and process improvement rather than simply maintaining existing practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting
• Own and continuously improve the month-end close process
• Provide leadership, guidance, and development to the accounting team
• Strengthen accounting processes, internal controls, and operational efficiency
• Identify and implement opportunities for automation and improved reporting
• Partner with the Managing Partner and senior leadership on financial and operational priorities
• Help build scalable accounting processes to support continued organizational growth
• Support accounting technology initiatives, system enhancements, and potential ERP implementations
• Bring a hands-on approach to operational accounting while contributing strategic ideas and solutions

Qualifications

• Significant progressive accounting and finance experience with demonstrated leadership responsibility
• Professional services industry experience required
• Strong operational accounting and month-end close expertise
• Experience managing and developing accounting teams
• Proven success improving processes, controls, and accounting workflows
• Strong technology orientation with experience leveraging automation and accounting systems
• Excellent communication skills and executive presence
• Ability to thrive in a fast-growing, evolving organization
• Law firm experience strongly preferred
• CPA preferred
• ProLaw, Aderant, ERP implementation, or systems conversion experience is a plus

Why Join?

• Join a rapidly growing firm that has approximately doubled in size over the past several years
• Report directly to the Managing Partner in a highly visible leadership position
• Opportunity to modernize the accounting function through automation, technology, and process improvement
• Strong culture with significant opportunity to grow alongside the organization
• Potential long-term path to the CFO role

$200,000 - $250,000 a year

#GHJSS

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.