Controller - PE Backed | High Growth | CPA + Public Required

Vaco by Highspring; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% annual bonus opportunity

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A professional services firm is seeking a Controller in Nashville, TN. The ideal candidate is a CPA with over 6 years of technical accounting experience in a fast-paced, private equity environment. This full-time role involves managing accounting operations, compliance with GAAP, and leading a distributed team. The compensation includes a base salary of $160,000 to $170,000 plus a 20% annual bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally with CPA and Big 4 background.
• Experience managing offshore teams and working with PE-backed companies.
• Strong technical accounting skills including consolidations.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical accounting, compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Manage consolidation and external audit relationships.
• Oversee accounting functions including AP and payroll.

Skills

Technical accounting expertise

Excellent communication skills

Advanced skills in Microsoft Office

Education

CPA

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

PowerBI

Job description

Overview

Controller - PE Backed | High Growth | CPA + Public Required

This role is for a CPA with strong technical accounting skills who thrives in dynamic, growth-focused environments. We are partnering with a global, award-winning professional services firm backed by private equity to hire a Controller who will play a critical role in shaping the future of the finance organization. This is a fast-moving, complex business where you’ll gain experience across technical accounting, operational finance, M&A integrations, and private equity reporting—skills that will prepare you for your next step as a finance leader.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Work directly with a well-respected and collaborative CFO who is committed to mentoring and developing talent.
• Be part of a strong finance team with deep expertise and shared accountability.
• Exposure to M&A activity, PE-backed operations, global accounting practices, and systems implementations.
• A role that balances technical accounting, reporting, and operations—no two days will look the same.

What You'll Do

• Lead technical accounting, monthly/quarterly/annual close, and compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Manage consolidation, reporting packages, and external audit relationships.
• Oversee AP, payroll, treasury, and foreign currency/multi-entity accounting.
• Drive systems implementations and integrations tied to M&A activity.
• Partner with external advisors on tax compliance and planning.
• Lead and mentor a distributed accounting team, including oversight of offshore resources.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous process improvement.

What We're Looking For

• CPA with 6+ years of progressive accounting experience (Big 4 background strongly preferred; large regional considered).
• Manager-level public accounting experience (minimum 2-3 years) OR prior experience in industry with a PE-backed company.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing offshore teams is required.
• Strong technical accounting expertise, including complex transactions and consolidations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, PE-backed environment with evolving priorities.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI). Experience with Microsoft Dynamics, Solver, Kantata, Yooz, or GoTransverse a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

Note: This pay range is provided by Vaco by Highspring. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience—talk with your recruiter to learn more.

• Base pay range: $160,000.00/yr - $170,000.00/yr
• 20% annual bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401k)
• Professional development and high-visibility opportunities within a PE-owned, growth-oriented organization

Additional Details

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