Controller & Client Advisory Leader — Hybrid/Remote

Berndt CPA LLC; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

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

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