Controller

Burnett Specialists; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Burnett Specialists is seeking a hands-on Controller for a reputable marketing agency based in Houston. The role oversees day-to-day accounting, cash flow, payroll, billing, job costing, and financial reporting, with a focus on accuracy and timely analysis. The position offers remote flexibility while candidates must reside in Houston.

You will collaborate with leadership, the PEO, CPA, banks, and vendors to maintain strong controls and drive operational efficiency across the business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Significant experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or financial management, preferably in a multi‑faced operating environment.
• Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting and financial operations.
• Manage cash flow analysis, forecasting, and liquidity planning.
• Coordinate payroll with the PEO and ensure timely payroll processing.
• Process and oversee accounts payable/receivable, billing, and 1099 filings.
• Lead job costing, time tracking, and profitability reporting across projects.
• Maintain general ledger integrity, month-end/year-end close, and financial statements.
• Coordinate with CPA, insurers, banks, and external partners.
• Develop and enforce internal controls and accounting procedures.

Job description

Controller

We are working with a reputable marketing agency to help them hire a Controller. They have been in business for many years and have an excellent culture! This is a hands on Controller role that will have the opportunity to work remotely. Candidates must be living in Houston to be considered.

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day accounting and financial operations, including cash management, accounts payable and receivable, payroll coordination, monthly billing, job costing, general ledger activities, financial reporting, tax compliance, insurance administration, and fixed asset management. This position ensures the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all billing and financial records and provides management with financial information and analysis to support business operations and decision‑making. The Controller works closely with company leadership, employees, vendors, clients, the company’s PEO, CPA, insurance providers, and other external agencies and professionals.

Controller Responsibilities

• Bank Account Management Manage company bank accounts and day-to-day banking activities. Initiate and monitor intercompany and external fund transfers. Maintain vendor banking and payment information. Reconcile bank statements and investigate and resolve discrepancies. Maintain accurate bank and cash account ledgers. Monitor cash balances and banking activity to support effective cash management.
• Accounts Payable Receive, review, code, and post vendor invoices. Maintain complete and accurate vendor records. Collect, verify, and securely maintain vendor W-9 forms. Perform TIN matching and maintain related documentation. Maintain vendor records within company accounting and payment systems. Initiate ACH and online banking payments in accordance with company procedures. Prepare and complete annual 1099 filings and distribute required forms to vendors. Ensure accounts payable records and supporting documentation are complete and properly maintained.
• Cash Flow Analysis & Management Monitor daily and projected cash positions. Prepare and maintain cash flow forecasts. Analyze anticipated receipts, expenditures, payroll, taxes, debt obligations, and other cash requirements. Coordinate payment timing and cash requirements with company management. Identify potential cash flow issues and communicate them to leadership in a timely manner.
• Accounts Receivable Prepare and process client billings and invoices. Monitor accounts receivable balances and client payment activity. Prepare and review client aging reports. Follow up on outstanding receivables as appropriate. Record and reconcile bank deposits. Research and resolve billing, payment, and account discrepancies. Maintain accurate and complete customer account records.
• Job Costing Open and close jobs in the accounting/job-costing system. Maintain job tickets and supporting documentation. Maintain accurate job status codes and task codes. Review job cost information for completeness and accuracy. Coordinate with operational personnel to ensure job information is properly recorded. Monitor job costing data to support accurate project profitability reporting.
• General Ledger & Financial Reporting Maintain the company’s general ledger and chart of accounts. Calculate and post monthly work-in-progress (WIP) variances. Calculate and post direct and indirect labor costs. Prepare and post other recurring and non‑recurring journal entries as needed. Prepare and post year‑end adjusting entries in coordination with the company’s CPA. Reconcile all general ledger accounts on a monthly basis. Research and resolve account discrepancies. Prepare monthly and year‑end financial statements. Coordinate month‑end and year‑end closing processes. Complete year‑end database closeout and maintain appropriate accounting records. Ensure financial records are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with company policies and applicable accounting requirements.
• Payroll Administration Maintain accurate employee and payroll records. Prepare and submit payroll information to the company’s Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Maintain and reconcile employee PTO records. Coordinate with the PEO regarding payroll‑related questions and issues. Assist the PEO with drafting, maintaining, and updating the employee handbook. Maintain appropriate payroll documentation and records.
• Client Profitability Analysis & Reporting Prepare client and project profit/loss analyses. Analyze revenue, labor, direct costs, indirect costs, and other relevant expenses. Prepare profitability reports for management review. Identify significant variances and trends and communicate findings to company leadership. Support management with financial information related to client and project performance.
• Commercial Insurance Manage the company’s commercial insurance policies and related records. Coordinate policy renewals, certificates, and required documentation. Work with insurance brokers and carriers regarding policy information, changes, and requests. Maintain organized records of current and historical commercial insurance policies.
• Fixed Assets Maintain accurate fixed asset records and supporting documentation. Record acquisitions, disposals, transfers, and other fixed asset activity. Reconcile fixed asset records to the general ledger. Maintain depreciation information and records. Prepare and file property tax renditions when required. Maintain documentation supporting fixed asset reporting and tax filings.
• Tax Compliance & Coordination Prepare and file monthly sales tax returns. Compile and maintain financial records and supporting documentation for the company’s CPA. Prepare records required for annual federal income tax returns. Prepare records required for annual franchise tax returns. Prepare records and information required for quarterly estimated tax payments. Review tax returns prepared by the CPA or other tax professionals for accuracy and completeness. Coordinate the release of approved tax returns to the CPA for filing. Initiate online payments for corporate estimated taxes. Initiate online franchise tax payments. Maintain organized records of filed tax returns, payment confirmations, and supporting documentation. Monitor tax filing and payment deadlines to ensure timely compliance.
• Corporate & Legal Records Complete Secretary of State (SOS) filings as necessary. Maintain organized copies of corporate filings and other agency records. Maintain copies of federal, state, and local tax returns and related documentation. Maintain accounting audit trails and supporting financial records. Ensure important corporate, legal, tax, and accounting records are securely stored and readily accessible. Maintain appropriate document retention practices for financial and regulatory records.
• Additional Responsibilities Maintain confidentiality of financial, employee, client, and company information. Develop and maintain organized accounting procedures and internal controls. Assist with financial audits, tax inquiries, insurance audits, and other external reviews as needed. Work collaboratively with company leadership, employees, clients, vendors, the PEO, CPA, banks, insurance providers, and government agencies. Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, controls, and operational efficiency. Perform other accounting, finance, and administrative duties as assigned.

Controller Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Significant experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or financial management, preferably in a multi‑faced operating environment.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Experience with job costing and work‑in‑progress accounting preferred.
• Experience coordinating with CPAs, payroll/PEO providers, insurance providers, banks, and government agencies.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Excellent organizational and record‑keeping skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities independently.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive financial and employee information.
• Experience with Clients and Profits or similar agency time and billing cost accounting software and overall advertising industry experience is a plus!

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