Controller

Confidentiel; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidentiel is seeking a Controller/Director of Finance to lead accounting and financial reporting for a family-office setup, including investment partnerships and trusts. The role requires independent judgment, overseeing staff, and implementing strong internal controls.

Responsibilities include building out reporting systems, preparing financial and investment reports, budgeting, and coordinating with outside tax preparers and professionals. Strong ethics and Excel proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• CPA certification is required.
• 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with general ledger accounting.
• Experience with trusts in a family office capacity.
• Unquestionable personal standards, confidentiality, and ethics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the planned buildout of the family office and assist with design and implementation of new systems and reporting.
• Oversee timely and accurate preparation of financial and investment reports.
• Review payments, ACH transfers, and bank wires.
• Prepare ad hoc reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data.
• Prepare the annual operating budget for the family office.
• Review new account documents and related legal/financial paperwork.
• Hire, train, supervise and mentor staff.
• Maintain internal controls over cash and investment accounts.
• Provide cash management analysis and forecasting.
• Coordinate with outside tax preparers to ensure timely payments and filings.
• Collaborate with external accountants, banks, custodians, brokers, lawyers and service providers to achieve objectives.

Skills

CPA certification

8+ years experience

GL accounting

Portfolio accounting

Family office trusts

Confidentiality & ethics

Excel proficiency

Lean team environment

Project multitasking

Additional responsibilities

Tools

General ledger systems

Portfolio accounting systems

Job description

The Controller is responsible for helping to prepare, analyze and manage the accounting and financial reporting for various family-owned entities, investment partnerships, trusts and individual family members as directed by the Chief Financial Officer, to whom this position reports. This position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of accounting and investment records and protection of assets by evaluating, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls.

The Director of Finance and Accounting must be able to rely on independent judgment and prior experience in supervising staff in a fast-paced environment where flexibility, adaptability, and attention to detail are required.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Participate in the planned buildout of the family office initially learning the current legacy structure and operations while assisting with the design and implementation of new systems and reporting.
• Evaluating alternative systems and procedures for accounting and financial reporting to establish "best practices" for the family office.
• Oversee the timely and accurate preparation of financial and investment reports.
• Review check payments, ACH transfers, and bank wires.
• Prepare ad hoc reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data.
• Preparation of annual operating budget for family office.
• Review new account documents, including bank, brokerage, loan documents, and subscription agreements.
• Hire, train, supervise, and mentor staff.
• Maintain security by establishing and enforcing internal controls over cash and investment accounts.
• Provide cash management analysis and forecasting.
• Primary point of contact with outside tax preparer.Assist in information gathering and ensure recommended tax payments and filings are made on a timely basis.
• Review of all third-party prepared tax returns (Forms 1040, 1041 and 1065).
• Manage household employer payroll function.
• Work closely with outside accountants, banks, investment custodians, insurance brokers/agents, third party administrators, attorneys, and systems service providers to achieve various objectives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• CPA certification, 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with general ledger accounting and portfolio accounting systems.
• Experience with trusts in a family office capacity.
• Unquestionable personal standards, confidentiality, and ethics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work within a lean team, manage projects within a tight timeframe, and simultaneously manage multiple assignments.
• Willingness to undertake additional responsibilities depending on office workflow.