Controller and Client Advisory Manager

Berndt CPA LLC

Madison (WI)

Hybrid

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and bonus

Flex-time or partial remote work

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Paid time for community involvement

Modern technology and tools

Job summary

Berndt CPA LLC, based in Wisconsin, seeks a relationship-driven Controller / Client Advisory Manager to join our growing advisory and outsourced accounting practice. This role blends technical accounting, client advisory services, leadership, and process improvement to strengthen financial operations for entrepreneurial businesses.

This position offers hybrid work, mentoring and coaching of staff, collaboration with tax/payroll/advisory teams, and opportunities to grow into trusted advisory

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
CPA preferred but not required.
5-10 years of accounting experience.
Experience in public accounting, outsourced accounting, or private industry leadership.
Experience supervising or reviewing the work of others.
Strong understanding of financial reporting and accounting operations.
Experience working directly with business owners or leadership teams.
Familiarity with QuickBooks Online and other cloud-based accounting platforms.
Strong communication, organizational, and relationship management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional client service.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for a portfolio of business clients.
Review monthly financial statements and communicate financial results with clients.
Assist business owners with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and KPI reporting.
Help clients improve accounting processes and internal controls.
Identify opportunities for automation and operational efficiencies.
Review accounting work prepared by staff accountants.
Ensure financial reporting is timely and accurate.
Assist with client onboarding and accounting system implementations.
Collaborate with tax, payroll, and advisory teams to provide comprehensive client service.
Mentor and coach accounting staff.
Review work and provide constructive feedback.
Help establish best practices and improve internal processes.
Support a collaborative, team-oriented culture.
Build strong long-term client relationships.
Participate in networking and community involvement.
Support proposal opportunities and cross-selling of firm services.
Help identify additional ways we can provide value to clients.

Skills

Relationship management

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting & forecasting

KPI reporting

Client advisory

Process improvement

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred but not required

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Cloud-based accounting platforms

Accounting systems implementations

Job description

Controller-Client Advisory Manager

Make an impact. Guide businesses. Grow into a trusted advisor.

Berndt CPA LLC is seeking a relationship-driven Controller / Client Advisory Manager to join our growing advisory and outsourced accounting practice. This position is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys helping entrepreneurial businesses strengthen their financial operations while building long-term client relationships.

Whether your background is in public accounting, outsourced accounting, or private industry, this role offers the opportunity to combine technical accounting, client advisory services, leadership, and process improvement in a collaborative and people-focused environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for Controllers, Assistant Controllers, Accounting Managers, Audit Managers, or experienced Outsourced Accounting professionals who enjoy variety, continuous learning, and making a meaningful impact on the businesses they serve.

Position Summary

The Controller / Client Advisory Manager serves as the primary accounting and advisory contact for a portfolio of entrepreneurial business clients across a variety of industries.

This role combines financial oversight, relationship management, process improvement, and team collaboration while helping clients improve financial visibility, strengthen internal processes, and make informed business decisions.

Description of Duties

Client Advisory

Serve as the primary contact for a portfolio of business clients.
Review monthly financial statements and communicate financial results with clients.
Assist business owners with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and KPI reporting.
Help clients improve accounting processes and internal controls.
Identify opportunities for automation and operational efficiencies.

Accounting Leadership

Review accounting work prepared by staff accountants.
Ensure financial reporting is timely and accurate.
Assist with client onboarding and accounting system implementations.
Collaborate with tax, payroll, and advisory teams to provide comprehensive client service.

Team Development

Mentor and coach accounting staff.
Review work and provide constructive feedback.
Help establish best practices and improve internal processes.
Support a collaborative, team-oriented culture.

Firm Growth

Build strong long-term client relationships.
Participate in networking and community involvement.
Support proposal opportunities and cross-selling of firm services.
Help identify additional ways we can provide value to clients.

Recommended Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
CPA preferred but not required.
5-10 years of accounting experience.
Experience in public accounting, outsourced accounting, or private industry leadership.
Experience supervising or reviewing the work of others.
Strong understanding of financial reporting and accounting operations.
Experience working directly with business owners or leadership teams.
Familiarity with QuickBooks Online and other cloud-based accounting platforms.
Strong communication, organizational, and relationship management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional client service.

Who Thrives in This Role

This role is ideal for someone who:

Enjoys working with a variety of businesses and industries.
Likes solving problems and improving processes.
Wants to build trusted relationships with clients.
Enjoys mentoring and developing team members.
Is looking to grow beyond traditional accounting into advisory services.

What We Offer

At Berndt CPA LLC, we support our team members in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We provide a collaborative environment where professional growth is encouraged, and personal flexibility is respected. This position offers:

Competitive compensation and bonus program
Flex-time or full-time options with partial remote work available, depending on the candidate's preferences
Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401k match)
Supportive, people-first firm culture with regular team events
Professional development and career advancement opportunities
Paid time for community involvement and networking
Modern technology and tools in a collaborative environment
Opportunity to work closely with entrepreneurial businesses across a variety of industries
Meaningful client relationships and strategic advisory involvement

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