Controller | Planned Retirement Transition

CFS; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in Waltham, MA is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead its accounting function, reporting to the CFO. The role includes a rare succession opportunity with cross-training for 4+ months before the current Controller retires in Q1 2027.

The ideal candidate will enjoy leading a team and staying involved in the details of accounting, reporting, budgeting, and financial operations. This role combines strategic oversight with day-to-day execution, offering a pathway to shape processes and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA preferred or CPA certification desirable.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leading an accounting team.
• Experience overseeing full close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience in professional services or project-based environments.
• Hands-on leadership style with willingness to roll up sleeves and get into the details.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements, reconciliations, and reporting packages.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and financial analysis.
• Oversee billing, collections, accounts payable, payroll, and expense management.
• Monitor project profitability, revenue recognition, and job costing activities.
• Develop KPIs, dashboards, and management reporting for leadership.
• Coordinate external audits, tax preparation, and compliance activities.
• Maintain internal controls, policies, and financial processes.
• Administer NetSuite and support reporting and automation initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

Why This Role Stands Out

A well-established professional services firm is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead its accounting function. Reporting to the CFO, this role offers a rare succession opportunity, including 4+ months of cross-training with the current Controller before her planned retirement in Q1 2027. The ideal candidate enjoys both leading a team and staying involved in the details of accounting, reporting, budgeting, and financial operations.

Position:

Controller

Location:

Waltham, MA

Salary:

$135,000 - $165,000

Onsite:

4 days/week

Why This Role Stands Out

A well-established professional services firm is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead its accounting function. Reporting to the CFO, this role offers a rare succession opportunity, including 4+ months of cross-training with the current Controller before her planned retirement in Q1 2027. The ideal candidate enjoys both leading a team and staying involved in the details of accounting, reporting, budgeting, and financial operations.

The Controller's Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements, account reconciliations, and reporting packages.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and financial analysis.
• Oversee billing, collections, accounts payable, payroll, and expense management.
• Monitor project profitability, revenue recognition, and job costing activities.
• Develop KPIs, financial dashboards, and management reporting for leadership.
• Coordinate external audits, tax preparation, and compliance activities.
• Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and financial processes.
• Administer NetSuite and support reporting and process automation initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while partnering with leaders across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience leading an accounting team
• Experience overseeing the full close process, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience in a professional services, agency, consulting, or other project-based environment.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with NetSuite.
• Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get into the details of the accounting function.
• Proven ability to review reconciliations, investigate issues, improve processes, and support day-to-day accounting operations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships across the organization and serve as a trusted business partner to leadership.

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