Controller (Connecticut, USA)

Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting; Connecticut; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting is seeking an experienced Controller to lead day-to-day accounting and financial reporting, reporting to the CFO. This hands-on leadership role combines strong technical accounting with commercial acumen and team leadership.

You will drive the monthly close, prepare financial statements, ensure GAAP compliance, manage the general ledger, and provide insights to executives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• CPA or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
• Typically 7+ years of progressive accounting experience at Controller/Accounting Manager level.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience managing month-end and year-end close.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Experience leading or developing accounting staff.
• Strong ERP and Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, and schedules.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and adherence to company policies.
• Maintain the general ledger and conduct account reconciliations.
• Analyze financial results, variances, trends, and KPIs.
• Provide meaningful financial insights to senior leadership.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and general accounting activities.
• Manage cash-flow reporting and working-capital management.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Coordinate external audits and assist with tax filings.
• Mentor and develop accounting staff.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance

CPA or equivalent qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Job description

The Controller is responsible for leading the day-to-day accounting and financial reporting activities of our client's organization. Reporting to the CFO, this role ensures accurate and timely financial information, maintains strong internal controls, supports budgeting and forecasting, and provides financial insight to help drive business performance.

This is a hands-on leadership position suited to an experienced accounting professional who can combine strong technical accounting capability with commercial awareness and effective team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure financial reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with GAAP and company policies.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure appropriate account reconciliations.
• Analyze financial results, variances, trends, and key performance indicators.
• Provide meaningful financial insight to senior leadership.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and general accounting activities.
• Maintain accurate balance sheet reconciliations and supporting documentation.
• Manage cash-flow reporting and assist with working-capital management.
• Ensure appropriate revenue and expense recognition.
• Continually improve accounting processes, controls, and reporting efficiency.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Partner with operational leaders to understand financial performance and future requirements.
• Monitor actual results against budget and forecast.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate action.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen financial policies and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Coordinate external audits and serve as a primary point of contact for auditors.
• Support tax filings and work with external tax advisors where appropriate.
• Ensure appropriate documentation and approval processes are maintained.

Business Partnership

• Work closely with the CFO and senior leadership on financial and operational matters.
• Translate financial information into clear and practical business recommendations.
• Support investment decisions, capital expenditure analysis, and business cases.
• Provide financial analysis to improve profitability, margins, and operational efficiency.Assist with special projects, acquisitions, system implementations, or business improvement initiatives as required.
• Lead, develop, and mentor members of the accounting team.
• Establish clear responsibilities, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Build a culture of accuracy, accountability, continuous improvement, and strong business partnership.
• Provide coaching and development opportunities to finance team members.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• CPA or equivalent professional accounting qualification preferred.
• Typically 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience at Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar level.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience managing month-end and year-end close.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, audit processes, and financial compliance.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Previous experience managing or developing accounting staff.
• Strong ERP/accounting systems capability and advanced Excel skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Commercially minded with the ability to look beyond the numbers.
• Hands-on and comfortable operating in a growing or evolving business.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail while retaining a broader business perspective.
• Confident communicator able to work effectively with executives and non-finance stakeholders.
• Able to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proactive approach to improving processes, controls, and systems.