Controller

Vaco by Highspring; Johnston (RI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring in Johnston, RI seeks a seasoned Controller to lead accounting and financial operations in a high-growth environment. This hands-on role partners with the CFO and senior leaders to ensure accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and efficient close processes while guiding key business initiatives.

The ideal candidate holds a CPA (Masters welcome with manufacturing exposure), deep US GAAP expertise, M&A experience, and is adept with ERP systems like Dynamics 365.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Active CPA license is a strong plus; Masters acceptable if manufacturing experience aligns.
• Experience as a Controller or senior accounting leader.
• Demonstrated M&A due diligence and integration experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day accounting functions including G/L, reconciliations, AP/AR, payroll, and close.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements, forecasts, and analyses.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and accounting policies.
• Lead and develop a multi-level accounting team and collaborate with CFO and senior leaders.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial planning.
• Partner with business leaders to provide financial insight for decision-making.
• Coordinate audits and external reporting; ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Drive process improvements and system enhancements.

Skills

Accounting Leadership

M&A

US GAAP

Dynamics 365

Financial Reporting

Team Development

Budgeting & Forecasting

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA license

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Dynamics 365

Job description

My client is a growing and evolving organization seeking an experienced Controller to oversee its accounting and financial operations. This is a hands-on leadership position with responsibility for managing a multi-level accounting team and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of the organization\'s financial processes.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating in a high-growth, fast-paced environment and will enjoy having the opportunity to influence processes, improve systems, and contribute to significant business initiatives. The position will work closely with the CFO, a fellow Controller, and senior leaders across the organization, including divisional, sales, and quality leadership.

This is an excellent opportunity for a CPA or candidate with a Masters that has strong technical accounting expertise and leadership experience who enjoys being involved in both the day-to-day operations of accounting and broader strategic initiatives.

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Key Responsibilities

Financial & Accounting Operations

• Direct the day-to-day accounting function, including general ledger, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial close activities.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring financial information is accurate and delivered on schedule.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, forecasts, and other financial analyses.
• Establish and maintain effective accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Partner with the other Controller to ensure consistency and accuracy across financial reporting and accounting activities.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial planning.
• Work with operational and business leaders to provide financial analysis and insight that supports decision-making.
• Monitor compliance with applicable accounting standards and federal, state, and local requirements.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve controls, and increase the efficiency of the finance function.
• Participate in accounting system enhancements, technology initiatives, and other finance-related projects.

M&A & Special Projects

• Play an active role in mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.
• Support financial due diligence and post-acquisition integration activities.
• Assist with the integration of accounting processes, systems, controls, and reporting following acquisitions.
• Take ownership of special projects and process improvement initiatives as business needs evolve.

Audit & Controls

• Coordinate external and annual financial audits and serve as a key contact for outside auditors.
• Ensure appropriate controls and procedures are in place to safeguard company assets and maintain the integrity of financial data.
• Identify potential control weaknesses and implement improvements when necessary.
• Manage, coach, and develop the accounting team, including senior and staff-level accounting professionals and AR/AP personnel.
• Establish clear expectations, responsibilities, and performance standards across the department.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented finance environment.
• Encourage strong communication between accounting and other areas of the organization.
• Develop team members and help build the capabilities needed to support continued organizational growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Active CPA license is a strong plus - Masters is ok if manufacturing experience aligns
• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or in another senior-level accounting leadership position.
• Demonstrated experience with M&A transactions, including due diligence and integration.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and technical accounting principles.
• Proven ability to lead and develop an accounting team.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines within a rapidly changing environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to partner effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or a comparable ERP system is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.