Controller

SkyWater Search Partners; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 122,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyWater Search Partners partners with a mission-driven client in St. Paul to recruit a Controller who will own the accounting function and partner with the CFO on strategic initiatives.

The role requires hands-on leadership of month-end close, GAAP compliance, and the management of accounting staff in a small, collaborative team onsite at least three days a week. Ideal candidates have 6–8+ years in progressive accounting, strong Excel skills, and CPA preferred.

Qualifications

• 6–8+ years of progressive accounting experience with ownership of close and reporting.
• 2+ years of accounting team management experience.
• CPA preferred.
• Association, nonprofit or professional services experience a plus; inventory accounting experience valuable.
• Strong GAAP, audit and internal controls knowledge with advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly and annual close process, including reconciliations, financial statements and variance explanations to the CFO.
• Own inventory accounting, costing and valuation for a growing product line.
• Oversee AR and AP, collections, cash reconciliations and member billing.
• Maintain GAAP compliance, accounting policies and internal controls.
• Lead audit preparation and coordination with external auditors.
• Manage compliance including sales and use tax, 401(k), unclaimed property and 1099s.
• Support CFO-led budgeting and forecasting, including budget-to-actual reporting.
• Supervise, mentor and develop the Accounting Assistant.
• Manage accounting systems, vendors and process improvements.

Skills

Close ownership

GAAP knowledge

Advanced Excel

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Accounting systems

Audits

Job description

• Job Tag:
• Posted: October 28,2026
• Salary: $135,000

SkyWater is thrilled to be partnering with one of my favorite mission-driven clients in St. Paul to add a CONTROLLER to their team! I’ve worked with this team before and genuinely love the people, the mission and the culture. This is a newly expanded role, and the CFO is looking for a true right hand who can own the accounting function so she can focus on the bigger picture.

For this role, we need –

• Someone who has truly RUN the month-end and year-end close start to finish (not just helped with it!)
• Hands-on ownership of financial statements, audit and compliance (sales and use tax, 401(k), 1099s, etc.)
• Experience managing accounting staff – and enjoying it

This is a small, tight-knit team that genuinely likes being together, so it’s onsite at least 3 days a week (and often more). It isn’t for someone looking for more ways to work from home – it’s for someone who wants to own the numbers and be a real partner across the organization.

Please note that only local applicants will be considered as relocation is not an option.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly and annual close process, including reconciliations, financial statements and variance explanations to the CFO
• Own inventory accounting, costing and valuation for a growing product line
• Oversee AR and AP, collections, cash reconciliations and member billing
• Maintain GAAP compliance, accounting policies and internal controls
• Lead audit preparation and coordination with external auditors
• Manage compliance including sales and use tax, 401(k), unclaimed property and 1099s
• Support CFO-led budgeting and forecasting, including budget-to-actual reporting
• Supervise, mentor and develop the Accounting Assistant
• Manage accounting systems, vendors and process improvements

Desired Skills And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
• 6-8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including true ownership of the financial close and reporting
• 2+ years of accounting team management experience
• CPA preferred
• Association, nonprofit or professional services experience a plus; inventory accounting experience valuable
• Strong GAAP, audit and internal controls knowledge with advanced Excel skills
• People-first and passionate about using your skills to support a mission-driven organization