Controller

Vaco by Highspring; Escondido (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a hands-on Controller to own day-to-day accounting, month-end close, and financial reporting. You will lead a growing accounting team, partner with Finance, Operations, and Shared Services, and maintain SOX readiness.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in accounting, CPA or CPA candidate, ERP experience (Epicor), and strong GAAP knowledge. Public company exposure and AR/DSO improvement experience are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience with close ownership.
• Experience in SaaS revenue or manufacturing environments preferred.
• CPA or CPA candidate; public company accounting experience is a plus.
• ERP experience with strong Excel and MS Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day accounting function and month-end close.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes with journals and reconciliations.
• Review and approve accounting activity and financial reporting for GAAP compliance.
• Maintain balance sheet reconciliations, reserves, and supporting docs.
• Support financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Oversee AR, billing, collections, and DSO improvement.
• Partner with Internal Audit and Finance leadership for SOX readiness.
• Drive process improvements, automation, and ERP enhancements.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and internal controls.
• Lead and coach the accounting team and cross-functional partners.
• Support audits, tax requirements, and other initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

SOX compliance

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Independence

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CPA candidate

Tools

Epicor ERP

Avalara

HFM

Power BI

Job description

Location: Hybrid, 3 days in office, 2 days remote

About the Opportunity

Our client is a global, publicly traded organization seeking a high-caliber Controller to take ownership of its accounting function. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the day-to-day accounting operation, month-end close, financial reporting, internal controls, and continued improvement of the accounting function.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can take ownership of the books with limited oversight after an initial onboarding period. This person will lead a growing accounting team and partner closely with Finance, Operations, Sales, Customer Service, Shared Services, and Internal Audit.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day accounting function and ensure the books are accurate, complete, and up to date.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules.
• Review and approve accounting activity and financial reporting for accuracy and compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Maintain ownership of balance sheet accounts, reconciliations, reserves, and supporting documentation.
• Support financial reporting, management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Oversee customer billing, collections, AR aging, and DSO performance, with a focus on improving cash collection and resolving outstanding receivables.
• Partner with Internal Audit and Finance leadership to maintain SOX readiness, support testing, and address control gaps and remediation needs.
• Lead accounting process improvements, automation, and system enhancements to improve efficiency and reporting quality.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead, develop, and coach a growing accounting team, establishing accountability and effective processes.
• Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Shared Services to resolve accounting issues and improve processes.
• Support internal and external audits, tax requirements, and other accounting and compliance initiatives.
• Adapt to changing priorities and take ownership of projects and issues through resolution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience with strong general ledger and month-end close ownership.
• Experience in software/SaaS revenue or manufacturing. Experience in both is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently own an accounting function or significant portion of the accounting operation.
• Leadership experience managing or leading a growing accounting team.
• Experience working with internal or external audit teams and supporting SOX compliance and audit readiness.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, reconciliations, accruals, and balance sheet analysis.
• ERP experience required, with strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• CPA or CPA candidate.
• Public company accounting experience.
• Collections and AR experience, particularly improving DSO and resolving aging.
• Experience with Epicor ERP, Avalara, HFM, Power BI, or similar finance and reporting systems.
• Experience leading process improvement, automation, ERP enhancement, or finance transformation initiatives.
• Multi-entity accounting experience.
• Experience in SaaS/software revenue and manufacturing environments.