Controller

LHH; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH Recruitment Solutions, partnering with an established organization in the Metro Detroit area, seeks a capable Controller to lead the accounting function and partner with leadership. The role emphasizes ownership of month-end close, multi-entity reporting, and team development.

The ideal candidate will own the full accounting cycle, drive process improvements, strengthen internal controls, and provide actionable financial insights to support strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA preferred, but not required.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and financial reporting experience.
• Experience overseeing full accounting cycle (GL, AP, AR, payroll, reconciliations).
• Experience managing accounting personnel and developing a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting functions: GL, A/P, A/R, billing, payroll, cash management.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with accuracy.
• Prepare consolidated or entity-level financial reporting across multiple companies.
• Provide financial analyses and management reports to support leadership decisions.
• Monitor cash balances and manage cash flow projections; oversee bank reconciliations.
• Develop and manage annual budgets with forecasting and performance analysis.
• Supervise and develop accounting staff; ensure deadlines and deliverables.
• Coordinate with external accounting professionals for audits and tax filings.
• Maintain strong internal controls and documented procedures.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP

Financial reporting

Month-end close

Cash flow management

Excel

Multi-entity accounting

Team development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Payroll systems

Job description

LHH Recruitment Solutions is partnering with an established, privately held organization in the Metro Detroit area to identify an experienced Controller to oversee its accounting function, strengthen financial operations, and serve as a key partner to organizational leadership.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong, hands-on accounting professional who enjoys both the operational and leadership sides of accounting. The ideal candidate is someone who can confidently own the month-end close process, oversee financial reporting across multiple entities, manage and develop an accounting team, and provide meaningful financial insights to support business decisions.

We're looking for a leader who is comfortable getting into the details, identifying opportunities for improvement, and taking ownership of the accuracy, efficiency, and integrity of the organization's financial operations.

What makes this opportunity stand out:

• High-visibility leadership position with direct influence on financial operations and organizational performance
• Opportunity to take ownership of the full accounting function, from daily transactions through financial statement preparation
• Responsibility for overseeing and developing an established accounting team
• Exposure to multi-entity accounting and financial reporting
• Opportunity to partner closely with operational and executive leadership
• Ability to drive improvements in accounting processes, internal controls, and reporting efficiencies
• Established business environment with opportunities to make a meaningful, long-term impact

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing all day-to-day accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, payroll, and cash management
• Leading the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes while ensuring the accuracy and completeness of financial records
• Maintaining accounting records and preparing consolidated or entity-level financial reporting, as applicable, across multiple companies
• Preparing and reviewing financial statements, management reports, and financial analyses to support leadership decision-making
• Monitoring cash balances, managing cash flow projections, overseeing bank reconciliations, and ensuring timely financial obligations
• Developing and managing annual budgets while supporting forecasting, financial planning, and performance analysis
• Supervising, mentoring, and developing accounting team members while maintaining accountability for deadlines and deliverables
• Overseeing billing accuracy, receivables collections, payables processing, and payroll administration
• Coordinating with external accounting professionals on financial statement reviews, audits, annual tax filings, and compliance requirements
• Maintaining and strengthening internal controls, accounting policies, and documented procedures to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Identifying opportunities to streamline accounting workflows, improve reporting timelines, and enhance overall operational efficiency
• Maintaining financial information and reporting within the organization's accounting systems
• Collaborating with leaders across multiple departments to support business operations, resolve financial matters, and provide actionable recommendations

Ideal background:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 5–10+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, preferably including Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar leadership responsibilities
• CPA preferred, but not required
• Strong foundation in GAAP, general ledger accounting, financial statement preparation, and month-end/year-end close
• Demonstrated experience overseeing the full accounting cycle, including AP, AR, payroll, reconciliations, and financial reporting
• Experience managing accounting personnel, delegating responsibilities, and developing a high-performing team
• Background working within multi-entity accounting environments strongly preferred
• Experience with cash flow management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance analysis
• Working knowledge of audit coordination, tax reporting requirements, regulatory compliance, and internal controls
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and strong Excel capabilities
• Experience implementing process improvements, strengthening accounting procedures, and improving financial reporting efficiency
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with both financial and non-financial stakeholders

Who will thrive in this role?

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded accounting leader who enjoys being involved in the details while also understanding the bigger financial picture.

Someone who can review a balance sheet, troubleshoot a reconciliation, guide their accounting team through a challenging close, and confidently communicate financial results to leadership. This organization is looking for someone who brings strong technical accounting capabilities, sound judgment, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine interest in improving how the accounting function operates.