Controller

Vaco by Highspring; Putnam (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial operations in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. The role partners with the CFO and senior leaders, driving accuracy, controls, and strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate, a CPA or Masters holder with strong technical accounting expertise, will oversee a multi-level accounting team and own financial reporting, budgeting, and system enhancements. Report to the CFO and help scale the finance function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
• Active CPA license is a strong plus; Masters acceptable if manufacturing experience aligns
• Experience as a Controller or senior accounting leadership role
• Demonstrated experience with M&A transactions, 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
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day accounting functions: GL, reconciliations, AP/AR, payroll, close
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual closes and prepare financial statements
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Provide financial analysis and support budgeting/forecasting
• Lead M&A activities, due diligence, and post‑acquisition integration
• Coordinate audits and ensure safeguarding of assets
• Coach and develop accounting staff and foster teamwork

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

GAAP knowledge

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

Active CPA preferred or Masters

Tools

Microsoft 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.

Controller

About the Opportunity

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.