Controller–Public Company Experience

Creative Financial Staffing, LLC; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Financial Staffing, LLC is seeking an experienced Controller with IPO/public company experience to lead accounting operations for a high-growth organization. You will drive financial integrity, SEC reporting readiness, and SOX compliance while partnering with executive leadership to support strategic growth.

The role covers general ledger, close processes, treasury, external audits, and ERP optimization, with a focus on building a scalable finance function and mentoring a talented

Qualifications

• Experience leading accounting operations in a public company or IPO context.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX controls.
• Proven ability to collaborate with auditors, tax, legal, and regulators.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial systems modernization.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations including close, AP, AR, payroll, fixed assets, and treasury.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
• Support IPO readiness, including audit coordination and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.
• Partner with external auditors, tax advisors, and governance committees.
• Oversee SOX testing and internal control improvements.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow reporting, and financial analysis with FP&A.
• Manage annual audit and coordinate requests.
• Improve accounting systems and ERP functionality for scalability.
• Build and mentor a high-performing accounting team.
• Provide insights and recommendations to CFO/CEO/Board.

Skills

Leadership & team development

U.S. GAAP knowledge

SOX compliance

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA strongly preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Oracle

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Controller (IPO / Public Company Experience)

Controller Position Summary

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