Tide Rock is seeking a Controller to serve as the senior accounting executive for Tide Rock Holdings and its affiliated investment entities. The Controller will own the accounting function across the Tide Rock platform and will be responsible for the accuracy, integrity, timeliness, and scalability of its financial reporting, accounting operations, and control environment. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional technical accounting expertise, experience in complex multi-entity structures, strong knowledge of an SEC-registered investment adviser environment, and the leadership ability to establish best-in-class accounting practices across a growing investment platform.
This is a full-time on site position located at our headquarters in Solana Beach, CA.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee all accounting activities for Tide Rock Holdings and its affiliated investment entities
- Serve as Tide Rock’s principal authority on technical accounting matters, including US GAAP interpretation, complex transactions, consolidation, intercompany accounting, investment-company considerations, and the documentation of accounting conclusions.
- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for all Tide Rock entities, ensuring complete, accurate, timely, and well-supported financial reporting.
- Consolidate month-end financial performance and reporting from portfolio companies into NetSuite and produce accurate Tide Rock-level consolidated financial statements and management reporting.
- Establish, document, and continuously improve best-in-class accounting policies, internal controls, close procedures, account reconciliations, approval protocols, and financial reporting standards.
- Maintain an effective control environment appropriate for a multi-entity investment company and SEC-registered investment adviser, supporting compliance with applicable regulatory, audit, tax, and reporting requirements.
- Lead the preparation of annual financial statements and coordinate external audits, tax reporting, valuation support, regulatory examinations, and other third-party reviews.
- Oversee fund and entity accounting, including capital activity, investment transactions, management and affiliate fees, allocations, distributions, cash activity, intercompany balances, and investor reporting support.
- Ensure the integrity of the general ledger, chart of accounts, entity structures, consolidation methodology, and supporting schedules across the Tide Rock platform.
- Develop and maintain accounting calendars, reporting packages, key performance measures, and executive-level analyses that provide clear visibility into financial results and accounting matters.
- Evaluate, select, and implement new technologies, automation tools, and system enhancements that streamline workflows, reduce manual processes, improve controls, and increase the speed and accuracy of reporting.
- Lead the ongoing optimization of NetSuite and related financial systems, including integrations with portfolio company reporting systems, accounts payable, expense management, banking, and other accounting applications.
- Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team, establishing clear responsibilities, service standards, accountability, and succession plans.
- Partner closely with the CFO, executive leadership, investment team, tax advisors, legal counsel, compliance personnel, and portfolio company leaders on transactions, reporting, controls, and strategic initiatives.
- As needed, provide executive, technical, and operational accounting leadership to portfolio company finance and accounting teams, including guidance on complex accounting issues, close processes, controls, systems, audit readiness, and talent needs.
- Support acquisitions, dispositions, restructurings, financings, new entity formations, and other strategic transactions by advising on accounting treatment, opening balance sheets, purchase accounting, integration, and reporting requirements.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
- Active CPA license strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience leading the accounting function in a complex, multi-entity organization.
- Minimum of 5 years in a senior accounting leadership role.
- Deep knowledge of US GAAP, technical accounting research, consolidations, intercompany accounting, financial statement preparation, and internal controls.
- Experience with private investment firms, asset managers, private equity, fund accounting, or SEC-registered investment advisers strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience designing and improving close processes, accounting policies, internal controls, and audit-ready documentation.
- Strong NetSuite experience required; experience integrating data from multiple ERP or portfolio company systems is highly desirable.
- Proven ability to implement accounting technology, automation, and process improvements in a growing organization.
- Experience managing external auditors, tax advisers, valuation providers, and other professional service firms.
- Exceptional judgment, attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to translate complex accounting matters for executive and non-accounting audiences.
- Experience supporting acquisitions, purchase accounting, integrations, dispositions, and complex legal-entity structures preferred.
MANAGEMENT STYLE + BEHAVIORAL TRAITS
- Leading by Example: Demonstrating and fostering a sense of urgency, ownership, strong accountability, disciplined execution, and sound decision-making. Consistent in following established processes while remaining pragmatic and action-oriented.
- Vision and Purpose: Embracing and communicating Tide Rock’s vision and goals while building an accounting organization capable of supporting the company’s continued growth and complexity.
- Motivational and Inspirational: Energetic with a “get-it-done” attitude while setting high standards, developing talent, and keeping the team focused on shared objectives.
- Leadership and Conflict Resolution: An empathetic and humble leader with high emotional intelligence. Able to work through disagreement constructively, build consensus, and turn difficult issues into opportunities for improvement.
- Ethics and Values: Uncompromising integrity, sound judgment, confidentiality, and commitment to the highest standards of ethics, compliance, and financial stewardship.
- Problem Solving and Pace: Proactive in identifying risks, resolving complex accounting issues, and acting on opportunities. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic, and highly accountable environment.