Controller

Ascendo Resources; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascendo Resources partners with a well-established organization to seek an experienced Controller to lead its accounting function with hands-on leadership. This role oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance while guiding a team of accounting professionals and partnering with executive leadership to meet the organization's financial goals.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong technical accounting expertise, leadership experience, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP.
• Experience managing the full accounting cycle, including month-end and year-end close.
• Proven experience supervising and developing accounting staff.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems (FIS IAS/SunGard or similar).
• CPA designation preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the accounting department.
• Manage and mentor a team of approximately six accounting professionals.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure the accuracy of financial records.
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate annual audits with external auditors.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial analysis.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and increase operational efficiency.
• Partner with leadership to provide financial reporting and strategic insights.
• Utilize ERP/accounting software to support daily accounting operations and reporting.

Skills

GAAP accounting

Leadership

Financial analysis

Excel proficiency

ERP systems

Internal controls

Auditing coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

FIS IAS (SunGard)

ERP accounting systems

Job description

We are partnering with a well-established organization seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting function. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance. The Controller will manage a team of accounting professionals while partnering with executive leadership to support the organization's financial goals.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong technical accounting expertise, leadership experience, and a commitment to accuracy and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day operations of the accounting department.
• Manage and mentor a team of approximately six accounting professionals.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close processes.
• Prepare and review accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure the accuracy of financial records.
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate annual audits and work closely with external auditors.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial analysis.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and increase operational efficiency.
• Partner with leadership to provide financial reporting and strategic insights.
• Utilize ERP/accounting software to support daily accounting operations and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience managing the full accounting cycle, including month‑end and year‑end close.
• Proven experience supervising and developing accounting staff.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working with ERP or enterprise accounting systems. Experience with FIS IAS (formerly SunGard) or similar financial software is a plus.
• CPA designation is preferred but not required.

What We're Looking For

• Hands‑on accounting leader with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communicator who can collaborate across departments.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimization.
• Competitive salary of $150,000-$170,000, based on experience.
• Opportunity to join a stable, growing organization in a key leadership position.