Controller

PuzzleHR; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

PuzzleHR in Florida is seeking a seasoned Controller to lead the accounting function, own the close process, consolidate multi-entity data, and deliver timely financial reporting to executives.

This hybrid role requires travel to Tampa office as needed; a deep GAAP background, ERP experience, and talent development are key.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Experience in professional services, staffing, PEO, or HR outsourcing/services industries preferred.
• Hands-on leadership with multi-entity and multi-state exposure.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and internal controls (SOX-lite or formal SOX).
• Experience with payroll tax compliance across states and client billing for professional services.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process with GAAP-compliant reporting.
• Prepare consolidated financials across entities/locations and deliver executive dashboards.
• Direct A/P, A/R, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and design internal controls.
• Partner with executives on budgeting, cash management, and ERP/system improvements.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Team leadership

ERP systems

Payroll tax compliance

Financial communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

Tools

QuickBooks

NetSuite

Sage Intacct

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Location: Hybrid – Central and Southwest Florida (Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota areas)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Summary

The Controller is a senior, hands-on accounting leader responsible for the integrity of the company's financial records, the monthly and annual close process, internal controls, and day-to-day accounting operations. The Controller is a highly experienced accounting professional who has operated in a high-transaction-volume, multi-entity, and/or multi-state environment, ideally within professional services, staffing, PEO, or HR services, and who is comfortable both directing a team and personally rolling up their sleeves. The Controller will manage a team of accounting professionals and play a central role in financial reporting, compliance, cash management, and process improvement as the company continues to grow.

This is a hybrid position requiring the need to travel to our Tampa, Florida office as needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely GAAP-compliant financial statements.
• Prepare and review consolidated financial statements across multiple entities and/or locations, as applicable.
• Deliver management reporting packages, KPI dashboards, and variance analysis to the executive team and ownership/board as required.
• Maintain the general ledger, chart of accounts, and month-end close checklist; drive continuous reduction in close-cycle time.

Accounting Operations & Internal Controls

• Directly manage accounts payable, accounts receivable/billing, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and general accounting functions.
• Design, document, and enforce internal controls (SOX-lite or formal SOX, as applicable) to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee client billing and revenue recognition specific to a professional services / HR services model, including gross vs. net billing treatment where relevant.
• Ensure accurate accounting for payroll tax liabilities, workers' compensation, benefits administration, and other HR-services-specific cost pools.

Compliance, Audit & Tax

• Serve as primary point of contact for external auditors, tax preparers, and banking relationships; manage the annual audit and/or review process.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state payroll tax, sales/use tax, and other regulatory filing requirements relevant to multi-state professional services.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including coordination on 401(k)/benefit plan audits where applicable.

Planning, Cash & Treasury

• Partner with the executive team on annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and long-range financial planning.
• Manage daily cash positioning, banking relationships, and line-of-credit compliance and reporting.
• Monitor working capital, including accounts receivable aging/collections and accounts payable, to support healthy cash flow.

Leadership & Business Partnership

• Act as a trusted financial advisor to the executive leadership, and operational leaders across the business.
• Lead or support ERP and finance systems improvements, automation, and process standardization as the company scales.
• Support due diligence, M&A integration, or new-entity onboarding activity as the company grows (as applicable).
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team; set clear goals and provide ongoing coaching and performance management.

Required Skills

• Deep working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and demonstrated ownership of a full-cycle, monthly/annual close process.
• Proven experience managing and developing an accounting team (staff accountants, AP/AR).
• Hands-on experience with a modern ERP/accounting system (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with payroll tax compliance across multiple states and/or co-employment/PEO accounting models.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial executives and ownership.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 10+ (Ten) years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 (five) years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role preferred.
• Experience in professional services, staffing, PEO (Professional Employer Organization), or HR outsourcing/services industries preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to move up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to participate in video conferences/meetings.