Controllership Lead – Accounting & Advisory (Hybrid)

Smith & Howard; Chattanooga (TN, GA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Excellent training opportunities

Great benefits

Job summary

Smith + Howard is seeking an Accounting + Advisory Services Supervisor in Chattanooga to lead outsourced controllership engagements and drive high-touch client service across industries. You’ll guide junior staff, manage relationships, and ensure timely deliverables from year-end write-ups to full outsourced controllership and payroll compliance support.

You will work across platforms, propose improvements to workflows, and train staff to reach the next level, while maintaining confidentiality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
• CPA license preferred.
• 3–6 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years in public accounting, ideally in outsourced accounting or CAS.
• Strong understanding of full-cycle accounting, GAAP, and internal controls.
• Experience managing staff and client relationships in a professional services setting.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to resolve complex problems independently or collaboratively.
• Excellent communication and time management skills across multiple projects.
• Comfortable working hybrid out of our Chattanooga office.

Responsibilities

• Lead outsourced controllership and advisory engagements, ensuring quality and timeliness across deliverables.
• Manage client relationships and internal teams to drive successful outcomes across recurring and project-based accounting needs.
• Review and train team members in account reconciliations, financial reporting, payroll taxes, and more.
• Hold kickoff meetings with new clients to define expectations and oversee successful onboarding.
• Troubleshoot complex operational and accounting matters through direct collaboration with clients and team members.
• Prepare financial statements including Balance Sheets, Income Statements, and Statements of Cash Flows.
• Leverage financial ratios, ad hoc reporting, and performance metrics to analyze and present data to clients.
• Oversee preparation of 1099s, W-2s, 941s, 940s, and other required federal/state payroll forms.
• Utilize multiple accounting systems (e.g., QBO, Xero, NetSuite, Intacct, Acumatica) and CaseWare Working Papers.
• Mentor client staff or internal team members on accounting procedures and system best practices.
• Maintain organized documentation and adherence to firm and professional standards, including confidentiality and ethical conduct.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Time management

People management

GAAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

QBO

Xero

NetSuite

Intacct

Acumatica

CaseWare Working Papers

Job description

Smith + Howard is seeking an Accounting + Advisory Services Supervisor in Chattanooga to lead outsourced controllership engagements and drive high-touch client service across industries. You’ll guide junior staff, manage relationships, and ensure timely deliverables from year-end write-ups to full outsourced controllership and payroll compliance support.

You will work across platforms, propose improvements to workflows, and train staff to reach the next level, while maintaining confidentiality