Controller (Contract)

Atlas Search; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas Search is seeking a Controller to join the finance team in its New York City office. This full-time contract role reports to the CFO and offers the opportunity to build and scale the accounting function during a growth phase.

The ideal candidate has 10–25 years of accounting leadership experience, CPA, and a hands-on leadership style to partner with non-finance teams and drive close processes, audits, and board reporting.

Qualifications

• CPA certification required and active.
• 10–25 years of accounting leadership experience.
• Experience leading AR/AP, audits, and board reporting.
• Startup experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own the integrity of the company’s books and reporting.
• Lead the AR and AP teams.
• Drive improvements to processes and controls across the close and reporting cycle.
• Oversee month-end close activities, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, and variance analysis while identifying opportunities to improve reporting timelines.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, monitor liquidity, and oversee daily cash management activities to support operational needs.
• Collaborate with finance leadership and cross-functional teams to provide financial insights that inform forecasting, business planning, and strategic decisions.
• Coordinate annual financial audits, ensuring accurate documentation and timely preparation of supporting financial information.
• Prepare financial reporting materials for board meetings and oversee tax compliance requirements, including applicable state filings.
• Supervise and mentor accounting team members, providing guidance on complex accounting matters and supporting their professional development.

Skills

CPA

Leadership

People management

Media industry

Close process

Job description

Our client, a fast-growing digital media and entertainment company, is seeking a Controller to join its finance team, reporting directly to the CFO. This is a full-time contract opportunity in their New York City office, and a chance to help build and scale the accounting function at a company in true growth mode.

The base pay for this position is $80 to $100 per hour. Actual compensation offered to the successful candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, and/or skill level, among other things. Details about eligibility for bonus compensation (if applicable) will be finalized at the time of offer.

Job Responsibilities

• Own the integrity of the company’s books and reporting
• Lead the AR and AP teams
• Drive improvements to processes and controls across the close and reporting cycle
• Oversee month-end close activities, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, and variance analysis while identifying opportunities to improve reporting timelines
• Manage cash flow forecasting, monitor liquidity, and oversee daily cash management activities to support operational needs
• Collaborate with finance leadership and cross-functional teams to provide financial insights that inform forecasting, business planning, and strategic decisions
• Coordinate annual financial audits, ensuring accurate documentation and timely preparation of supporting financial information
• Prepare financial reporting materials for board meetings and oversee tax compliance requirements, including applicable state filings
• Supervise and mentor accounting team members, providing guidance on complex accounting matters and supporting their professional development

Job Requirements

• 10–25 years of accounting experience, including Controller-level leadership in media, advertising, or a similar industry
• A combination of public accounting and industry experience is preferred
• Proven people management experience is required
• CPA required
• Startup experience is a plus
• A hands‑on, personable leader who thrives in an energetic, creative environment and enjoys partnering with non-finance teams