Controller

Finatal; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Finatal is seeking a Controller to own the accounting function for a private equity-backed aviation and technical education business with multiple U.S. campuses.

The role reports to the CFO and oversees the close, financial reporting, and audit processes across a multi-site organization. Ideal candidates will have private equity experience, solid GL ownership, and a track record of managing external audits within multi-site environments.

Qualifications

• Private equity-backed company experience required.
• Strong ownership of general ledger and month-end close.
• Experience leading the external audit process.
• Experience in multi-site / multi-unit environments.
• Experience in education/training, healthcare, or multi-unit regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Own monthly, quarterly and annual close including GL, journal entries, reconciliations and financial statement prep.
• Take ownership of the external audit process as primary accounting contact.
• Ensure timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Identify opportunities to reduce days to close and improve processes and controls.
• Collaborate with leaders across a multi-site organization for timely financial information.
• Support acquisition integration and transaction accounting as the business grows.

Skills

Private equity experience

Multi-site experience

Audit management

GAAP reporting

Education

Public accounting background (Big 4 preferred)

Job description

Location: Dallas, TX (Hybrid) or Remote.

Position Summary:

• Finatal is partnering with a private equity-backed, multi-site aviation and technical education business, looking to appoint a controller. The company is a long-established provider of career-focused aviation and technical training, operating campuses and training facilities across multiple U.S. markets. Its programs span aviation flight, aircraft maintenance, aviation electronics and technology management, serving students pursuing careers across the aviation and skilled-technical workforce.
• The business is continuing to grow and is expected to undergo a future ownership transition. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will take ownership of the company's accounting function.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly and annual close process, including the general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations and financial statement preparation.
• Take full ownership of the external audit process, serving as the primary accounting contact for external auditors.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Identify opportunities to reduce days to close and improve accounting processes, controls and reporting.
• Partner closely with local and operational leaders across a multi-site organization to ensure timely and accurate financial information.
• Support future acquisition integration and transaction-related accounting requirements as the business continues to grow.

Must-Have Experience

• Private equity-backed company experience required.
• Strong experience owning the general ledger and full month-end close process, including responsibility for the accurate and timely closing of the books.
• Demonstrated ownership of the external audit process.
• Experience operating in a multi-site / multi-unit business.
• Experience within education/training, healthcare, consumer services, retail or another multi-unit/regulated environment.

Preferred Background

• Previous public accounting experience, particularly Big 4 or another established public accounting firm.
• CPA preferred; active license is not required.
• The company strongly prefers candidates located in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, with a hybrid schedule of approximately 2–3 days per week. Candidates elsewhere in Texas and select U.S. markets may also be considered.