Controller - High-Growth Startups - Fully Remote

B Consulting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

B Consulting is seeking a Controller who acts like an owner, not just an accountant. This role requires hands-on experience building and running finance functions inside growing companies, including payroll and benefits, and thriving in messy, fast-moving environments.

You will lead finance for multiple startup clients, working closely with founders and operators, owning the month-end close, and delivering clear, decision-ready financials.

Qualifications

• Been the Controller or Head of Finance in a startup or high-growth company.
• Built or cleaned up accounting/finance operations from the ground up.
• Worked closely with founders or operators in a hands-on, fast-paced environment.
• Owned both technical accounting and operational accounting (payroll, benefits, systems).
• Implemented or significantly improved systems like QuickBooks, NetSuite, Gusto, Rippling, etc.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close and deliver accurate, decision-ready financials.
• Translate financial results into clear insights for founders.
• Build and improve processes, systems, and controls as companies scale.
• Manage and mentor a team (onshore + offshore) to execute day-to-day accounting.
• Serve as the primary contact for auditors, tax partners, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Startup finance

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Payroll experience

Systems thinking

Education

CPA certification

Tools

QuickBooks

NetSuite

Gusto

Rippling

Job description

Controller We’re looking for a

Controller who operates like an owner, not just an accountant.

This role is for someone who has personally built and run finance functions inside growing companies—including accounting, payroll, and benefits—and is comfortable stepping into messy, fast-moving environments to bring clarity and structure.

What You’ll Do

You’ll serve as the day-to-day finance lead for multiple startup clients, working directly with founders and operators.

• Own the monthly close and deliver accurate, decision-ready financials
• Translate financial results into clear insights for founders
• Build and improve processes, systems, and controls as companies scale
• Manage and mentor a team (onshore + offshore) to execute day-to-day accounting
• Serve as the primary point of contact for auditors, tax partners, and external stakeholders

Critically Important

You will personally own or have owned:

• Payroll and benefits administration (Gusto, Rippling, ADP, Justworks, etc.)
• Building finance processes in companies without full infrastructure

What You’ve Likely Done Before

• Been the Controller, Head of Finance, or #1/#2 finance hire at a startup or high-growth company
• Built or cleaned up accounting and finance operations from the ground up
• Worked closely with founders or operators in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
• Owned both technical accounting AND operational accounting (payroll, benefits, systems)
• Implemented or significantly improved systems like QuickBooks, NetSuite, Gusto, Rippling, etc.

Core Areas of Ownership

• Full-cycle accounting (close, reconciliations, reporting)
• AR/AP, payroll, and benefits
• Inventory and COGS (for applicable clients)
• Cash flow forecasting and financial modeling
• GAAP compliance (ASC 606, accruals, etc.)
• Tax coordination and compliance

What We’re Looking For

• Strong accounting foundation (CPA a plus, not required)
• Experience in startup or high-growth environments (this is critical)
• Proven ability to own both accounting AND operational finance
• Comfortable managing multiple clients and priorities
• Systems-oriented thinker who enjoys building and improving processes
• Clear communicator who can work directly with founders

This Role Is Not For

• Candidates who have only worked in large, structured environments
• Purely technical accountants without operational ownership
• Individuals who haven’t directly managed payroll, benefits, or systems

Details

• 100% remote
• Work with a portfolio of high-growth startups across tech, consumer, and life sciences
• Opportunity to operate as a trusted advisor, not just a back-office function

About Us

B Consulting partners with high-growth, venture-backed startups to build and run their finance and accounting functions. We don’t just close books - we help founders build infrastructure, make decisions, and scale intelligently.

This is a remote opportunity.