Controller (IPO / Public Company Experience)

CFS; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations for a public company environment, with a strong focus on financial reporting, internal controls, and IPO readiness. The role partners with executive leadership to ensure regulatory compliance and strategic growth.

Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in accounting leadership, CPA preferred, and hands-on experience with US GAAP, SEC reporting, and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting leadership including Controller responsibilities.
• Public company experience or IPO involvement required.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.
• Experience with external auditors and annual audits.
• ERP experience with NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, or MS Dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations including GL, close, AP, AR, payroll, fixed assets, and treasury.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements per US GAAP.
• Support IPO readiness, including audits, SOX, and public company compliance.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and accounting policies.
• Collaborate with external auditors, tax, legal, and regulators.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial analysis with FP&A.
• Manage annual audit process and deliverables.
• Improve accounting systems and ERP functionality for efficiency.
• Build and mentor a high-performing accounting team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial analysis

ERP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Oracle

SAP

Microsoft Dynamics

Excel

Job description

Controller Position Summary

Controller (IPO / Public Company Experience)

We are seeking an experienced Controller with a strong foundation in corporate accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls. The ideal candidate has successfully led accounting operations within a publicly traded company and/or played a significant role in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or other capital markets transaction. This individual will partner closely with executive leadership to ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence while helping drive strategic growth.

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end and year-end close, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and treasury.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Support IPO readiness activities, including financial reporting, audit coordination, SOX implementation, and public company compliance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.
• Partner with external auditors, tax advisors, legal counsel, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with SOX requirements and oversee testing of internal controls.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow reporting, and financial analysis in collaboration with FP&A and executive leadership.
• Manage the annual audit and coordinate all audit requests and deliverables.
• Evaluate and improve accounting systems, processes, and ERP functionality to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to the CFO, CEO, Board of Directors, and Audit Committee.

Controller Position Summary

Controller (IPO / Public Company Experience)

We are seeking an experienced Controller with a strong foundation in corporate accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls. The ideal candidate has successfully led accounting operations within a publicly traded company and/or played a significant role in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or other capital markets transaction. This individual will partner closely with executive leadership to ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence while helping drive strategic growth.

Controller Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end and year-end close, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and treasury.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Support IPO readiness activities, including financial reporting, audit coordination, SOX implementation, and public company compliance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.
• Partner with external auditors, tax advisors, legal counsel, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with SOX requirements and oversee testing of internal controls.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow reporting, and financial analysis in collaboration with FP&A and executive leadership.
• Manage the annual audit and coordinate all audit requests and deliverables.
• Evaluate and improve accounting systems, processes, and ERP functionality to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to the CFO, CEO, Board of Directors, and Audit Committee.

Controller Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, including Controller or Assistant Controller responsibilities.
• Required: Experience working for a publicly traded company and/or leading or supporting an IPO.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and SOX compliance.
• Experience working with external auditors and managing annual audits.
• Proven ability to build and improve accounting processes in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Controller Preferred Experience

• IPO readiness or successful IPO execution.
• SEC financial reporting and technical accounting.
• Public company governance and Audit Committee presentations.
• Equity accounting, stock compensation, and share-based compensation.
• M&A integration, carve-outs, or corporate restructuring.
• Experience in manufacturing, technology, SaaS, life sciences, or other high-growth industries.

$190K

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