Controller - Acquisition-Driven PE Growth

Socket.dev; Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory (MN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

401k

Benefits

Job summary

Lakeshore Landscaping seeks a hands-on Controller to own the full accounting function as the company scales post-embedded finance model. You will report to senior leadership, manage day-to-day accounting, and serve as the primary liaison for acquisitions and post-close settlements.

This high-visibility role requires closing books, building robust internal controls, and partnering with the seller's accountants during negotiations. Experience with ASC 805 and private-company GAAP is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 5+ years progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years at the Controller or Senior Accounting Manager level.
• Hands-on experience with acquisition accounting under ASC 805, including opening balance sheet preparation and reconciliation.
• Experience with post-closing purchase price adjustment or working capital determination processes, including seller-facing settlement communications.
• Deep familiarity with GAAP financial reporting for privately held operating companies.
• Strong command of accounting for common M&A deal structures, including asset purchases, stock purchases, and earn-out arrangements.
• Experience managing or coordinating an annual financial statement audit.
• High proficiency in Excel, including financial modeling, reconciliation workbooks, and data analysis across large transaction populations.

Responsibilities

• Own the full monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, producing timely and accurate GAAP financial statements.
• Maintain a controlled, audit-ready accounting environment at all times.
• Prepare and review account reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting schedules.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax preparers, managing the annual audit and tax compliance process.
• Develop and maintain a consistent close calendar with clearly defined milestones and deliverables.
• Lead the accounting integration of acquired businesses, including Day 1 opening balance sheet setup under ASC 805.
• Reconcile and validate opening balance sheets against purchase agreement representations, identifying discrepancies requiring adjustment.
• Interface directly with sellers and their representatives in post-closing settlement discussions, providing clear, well-supported positions backed by documentation from the accounting records.
• Identify and assess the accounting implications of purchase agreement mechanics, including NWC targets, earn-out provisions, indemnification escrows, and seller note structures.
• Coordinate with legal counsel and deal team on formal delivery of post-close determinations and dispute resolution procedures.
• Design, document, and enforce a robust internal controls framework appropriate for a multi-entity operating company.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies and procedures, ensuring consistent application across acquired entities during integration.
• Oversee revenue recognition, AR/AP management, payroll accounting, and cash management practices.
• Manage sales tax compliance and any applicable business licensing obligations across operating geographies.
• Serve as the primary administrator and power user for the company's ERP platform (Aspire), ensuring proper configuration, data integrity, and chart of accounts alignment.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities within the accounting tech stack.
• Support integration of acquired companies' accounting systems and data migration into the platform standard.
• Support the build-out of an accounting team and partner with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Financial analysis

Communication skills

GAAP accounting

M&A accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA certification

Tools

Aspire ERP

QuickBooks

Job description

Lakeshore Landscaping seeks a hands-on Controller to own the full accounting function as the company scales post-embedded finance model. You will report to senior leadership, manage day-to-day accounting, and serve as the primary liaison for acquisitions and post-close settlements.

This high-visibility role requires closing books, building robust internal controls, and partnering with the seller's accountants during negotiations. Experience with ASC 805 and private-company GAAP is essential.