Controller

Ringside Talent; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work rhythm (office + remote)

Access to senior leadership

Opportunity to modernize processes

Job summary

Ringside Talent seeks a Controller to lead the accounting function in a hybrid Cleveland, OH role. Own the general ledger, monthly/annual close, and GAAP-compliant reporting while partnering with senior management to drive financial clarity and strong controls.

The ideal candidate has a CPA (preferred) and 7+ years of progressive accounting leadership, with deep GAAP expertise, ERP proficiency, and a track record of building strong teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years progressive accounting experience including leadership.
• Deep working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls and audit readiness.
• Proven ability to shorten close cycles and improve reporting quality.
• Strong ERP and Excel skills; excellent communicator.

Responsibilities

• Direct the accounting department’s day-to-day work, from the general ledger through the close.
• Deliver GAAP-compliant financial statements and management reporting.
• Act as primary contact for auditors, lenders, and outside tax professionals.
• Build and maintain a control framework to protect assets and support audits.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and working capital needs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on budget, forecasts, and performance analysis.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a strong accounting team.
• Lead system/workflow upgrades to improve speed and accuracy.
• Stay ahead of tax, regulatory, and reporting requirements.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Internal controls

Audit readiness

Excellent communicator

Hybrid work readiness

Forecasting & reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

We are looking for a Controller to work for our client. The ideal candidate aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined below.

This is a strong opportunity for an accounting leader who wants a real voice in how the business runs, combining ownership of the books with a working partnership with senior management, in a hybrid role based in Cleveland, OH.

Responsibilities

• Direct the accounting department’s day-to-day work, from the general ledger through the monthly and annual close
• Deliver reliable, GAAP-compliant financial statements and management reporting
• Act as the primary point of contact for auditors, lenders, and outside tax professionals
• Build and maintain a control framework that protects assets and supports clean audits
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and working capital needs
• Collaborate with senior leadership on the annual budget, rolling forecasts, and performance analysis
• Recruit, develop, and retain a strong accounting team
• Assess current systems and workflows, and lead upgrades that improve speed and accuracy
• Stay ahead of tax, regulatory, and reporting requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership of an accounting team
• Deep working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and audit readiness
• Proven ability to shorten close cycles and sharpen reporting quality
• Strong ERP and advanced Excel skills
• Excellent communicator who can make financial results clear to non-finance colleagues
• Comfortable balancing priorities in a hybrid environment

What Our Client Offers

• A hybrid rhythm with in-person time at the Cleveland office and focused days at home
• Genuine access to senior leadership, with your analysis informing real decisions
• Latitude to modernize processes and systems rather than inherit a fixed playbook
• A capable accounting team eager to learn from a strong leader
• A role that can expand in scope as the business grows