Controller

CS&L CPAs; Sarasota (FL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Group Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Program

Paid Time Off

Holidays

CPA Exam Bonus

Mentorship

Business Development Program

CS&L Cares Program

Job summary

CS&L CPAs in downtown Sarasota seeks a proactive Controller to lead operations, finance and administration for our public accounting firm, serving Southwest Florida. You will oversee budgeting, forecasting, payroll, billing, cash flow and financial reporting, partner with firm leadership on strategic initiatives, and drive scalable processes across offices in Sarasota, Bradenton and Tampa.

This role offers collaborative, high-performance culture, mentorship and professional development, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive accounting experience in a mid-sized professional services environment; CPA firm or law firm preferred.
• Proven ability to leverage technology and automate accounting workflows.
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting, billing, and internal controls.
• Familiarity with accounting and tax software (Intacct, Bill.com, CCH) and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead the firm's daily operations, ensuring efficient business performance across multiple offices.
• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, billing, collections, cash flow, and reporting.
• Partner with firm leadership on strategic planning, operational improvements, and growth initiatives.
• Streamline workflows by leveraging technology and scalable processes.
• Direct human resources: recruiting, onboarding, benefits, development, compliance.
• Manage technology, vendor relationships, facilities, and business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with accounting regulations, employment laws and internal policies.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing workplace culture focused on excellence.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to Bradenton and Tampa as needed.

Skills

Accounting experience

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Billing

Internal controls

Technology automation

CPA firm experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Tools

Intacct

Bill.com

CCH

Job description

Flexible Onsite in downtown Sarasota, FL

At CS&L CPAs, you'll join a respected firm with over 70 years of trusted service to Southwest Florida, built on a legacy of integrity, expertise, and client success. As a full-service public accounting firm, we provide diverse opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful impact by helping individuals, businesses, and organizations navigate financial challenges and achieve their goals.

If you're looking for a collaborative team that values professional development, long-term relationships, and excellence, CS&L CPAs is the place to build your future.

Why CS&L?

We know talented professionals have options, so we invest in creating a workplace where you can build a rewarding career while maintaining a life outside of work.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (2 medical plans available)
• Group Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Voluntary Benefits including: Critical Illness & Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Telehealth Services, Additional Life Insurance Options
• 401(k) Retirement Program
• Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays
• CPA Exam Bonus Program
• Mentorship & Business Development Program
• CS&L Cares Program – Supporting our team members and communities when they need it most

Where You'll Work

You'll work from our beautiful downtown Sarasota office, where you'll enjoy your own private office with stunning views. We believe in supporting work-life balance, which is why you'll have the opportunity to work remotely one-two days per week after your first 90 days. This role offers the chance to collaborate with talented professionals across our Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa offices while working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

What You'll Do

As a Controller, you'll play a pivotal leadership role in driving the success of our CPA firm by overseeing operations, finance, and administration. You'll partner with firm leadership to optimize business performance, improve processes, support strategic growth, and create an exceptional experience for both employees and clients. This is an ideal opportunity for a proactive, results-oriented leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced public accounting environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the firm's daily operations, ensuring efficient and effective business performance across multiple office locations.
• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, billing, collections, cash flow, and financial reporting.
• Partner with firm leadership on strategic planning, operational improvements, and growth initiatives.
• Streamline workflows by leveraging technology and implementing scalable processes that enhance productivity and client service.
• Direct all human resources functions, including recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, employee development, and compliance.
• Manage technology, vendor relationships, facilities, and business continuity to support seamless firm operations.
• Ensure compliance with accounting industry regulations, employment laws, internal policies, and risk management standards.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing workplace culture focused on excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Willing and able to travel occasionally to office locations in Bradenton and Tampa as business needs require.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field, required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive accounting experience in a mid-sized professional services environment; experience in a CPA firm or law firm, strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to leverage technology and implement automation to enhance accounting workflows and efficiency.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, billing, and internal controls.
• Familiarity with accounting and tax software platforms and practice management systems. (Intacct, Bill.com, CCH)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and general office systems.
• High level of attention to detail and a commitment to precision in financial work.
• Willing and able to travel occasionally to office locations in Bradenton and Tampa as business needs require.