Controller for Small Business Accounting Group Growth

lumesp; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Lume Search Partners is seeking a Controller to lead a dedicated Small Business Accounting Group and own client relationships.

You will manage a team of ~10 accountants and bookkeepers, oversee day-to-day delivery for mid-sized clients, and identify opportunities to expand scope from bookkeeping to Controller/CFO-level services.

The role emphasizes people leadership, client service, and growth within a growing outsourced accounting practice.

Qualifications

• Leads accounting teams with strong people management and coaching.
• Solid GAAP knowledge and ability to oversee month-end close.
• Experience building client relationships and expanding services.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of ~10 accountants and bookkeepers (in-house + offshore).
• Oversee day-to-day delivery for mid-sized clients: AP/AR, payroll, close, statements.
• Serve as primary client contact, set expectations and manage issues.
• Identify opportunities to expand scope to Controller/CFO-level services.
• Improve processes, quality, and efficiency across the group.
• Support onboarding of new clients and practice growth.
• Report to senior leadership; balance hands-on work with leadership.

Skills

Team leadership

Financial reporting

GAAP knowledge

Month-end close

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

Excel

QuickBooks

ERP systems

Job description

Controller | Small Business Accounting Group

Controller – Client Accounting / Small Business Practice

Our client is a growing outsourced CFO, technical accounting, and back-office firm (founded 2013) that serves emerging-to-mid-sized private and public companies. They have a dedicated small-business accounting group of ~10 accounting and bookkeeping staff that delivers bookkeeping, month-end close, financial statements, and related services.

They need a Controller to own this practice: run the team, own client relationships, and grow the book of business.

The Role

• Lead and manage a team of ~10 accountants and bookkeepers (in-house + any offshore resources).
• Oversee day-to-day delivery for a portfolio of mid-sized clients: AP/AR, payroll, month-end close, financial statement preparation, cash-flow reporting, and basic dashboards.
• Serve as the primary client contact — manage relationships, set expectations, handle issues, and identify opportunities to expand scope (move clients from basic bookkeeping to Controller/CFO-level services).
• Improve processes, quality, and efficiency across the group.
• Support new client onboarding and help the practice grow.
• Report into senior leadership (likely the founder or a practice leader).
• This is a player-coach role: you will still review work and stay close to the numbers, but the emphasis is on people management + client service + growth.