Controller – Mission-Driven | Growth-Oriented | Multi-State Environment

High Country Search Group; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing private equity-backed organization in Denver is seeking a Controller to lead its financial accounting function. This high-impact role involves managing a team, producing GAAP-compliant financial statements, and supporting M&A activities. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance, 10+ years of experience, especially in multi-entity environments. Strong ERP skills and a CPA are preferred. This full-time position offers an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful mission during a dynamic phase of expansion.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 2 years in a Controller role.
• Experience in multi-entity, multi-state environments, ideally in education or healthcare.
• Demonstrated ability to build and scale accounting operations in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of accountants responsible for AP, AR, and month-end close.
• Produce GAAP-compliant financial statements for stakeholders.
• Oversee core accounting functions including general ledger and cash management.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Accounting systems improvement

Strategic finance partnership

Multi-entity accounting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA preferred)

Tools

NetSuite

Concur

Oracle

Job description

Overview

Our client is a growing, private equity-backed organization in the specialized education and behavioral health services space seeking a Controller to lead its financial accounting function from its Denver office. With operations across 15+ states and a deeply mission-focused approach, the company is in a dynamic phase of expansion, integration, and infrastructure development.

This is a high-impact opportunity to step into a leadership role during a period of rapid growth and acquisition—while contributing to a meaningful mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of five accountants responsible for AP, AR, and month-end close processes
• Produce and present monthly GAAP-compliant financial statements to private equity stakeholders
• Serve as a strategic finance partner to executive leadership and department heads, driving systems modernization and workflow automation
• Implement financial systems (e.g., NetSuite and Concur) to improve efficiency and scale operations
• Drive accounting systems improvements and post-acquisition integration of new business units
• Support all phases of M&A activity, including funding, integration, and preparation of closing statements for legacy owners
• Prepare and submit monthly lender financial packages, and serve as primary contact for lender-related inquiries
• Oversee all core accounting functions: general ledger, AP/AR, cash management, fixed assets, and revenue recognition
• Ensure compliance with state-specific education and funding regulations
• Act as point of contact for external auditors and tax advisors, ensuring timely, accurate completion of audits and annual filings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a Controller-level leadership role
• Experience in multi-entity, multi-state environments—ideally within education, healthcare, or human services
• Background in public accounting is a plus
• Experience in PE-backed or high-growth environments highly desirable
• Strong ERP and system integration skills (NetSuite, Oracle, UKG, Concur, or similar)
• Deep understanding of GAAP, audit readiness, and internal controls
• Demonstrated ability to build and scale accounting operations in complex, fast-paced settings
• Strong communicator and cross-functional collaborator with a process-oriented mindset

Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance
• Industries: Professional Services and Education