Controllership Senior Accountant — Hybrid, Growth & Impact

Smith + Howard; Chattanooga (TN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith + Howard seeks an accounting professional to join our Accounting + Advisory Services – Controllership Team in Chattanooga in a hybrid role.

You will handle month-end closes, prepare financial statements, and advise on accounting best practices across diverse clients, leveraging multiple platforms. The role emphasizes practical judgment and strong client communication to support accurate reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• CPA license or active pursuit with a defined path is preferred.
• 2–4 years of progressive accounting experience, including in public accounting or outsourced client services.
• Solid understanding of full-cycle accounting and strong working knowledge of GAAP.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills—you know when to dig into details and when to step back for the big picture.
• Comfortable working in different client environments and accounting platforms.
• Hybrid work arrangement from our Chattanooga office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a controllership resource, guiding clients through monthly and year-end closes, complex reconciliations, accrual adjustments, and more.
• Prepare financial statements including Balance Sheets, Income Statements, and Statements of Cash Flows.
• Triage and resolve accounting errors creatively—prioritizing materiality, impact, and client experience.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improved reporting.
• Coach and support client personnel and junior team members in applying accounting principles and using accounting systems effectively.
• Work across accounting platforms, including QBO, Xero, NetSuite, Intacct, Acumatica, and AppFolio—and adapt quickly to new tools and workflows.
• Use CaseWare Working Papers to maintain clear documentation of trial balances, adjusting entries, and balance sheet support.
• Contribute to process improvement internally and with clients, helping streamline operations and improve reporting accuracy.
• Review 1099s, W-2s, 941s, 940s, and other required federal/state payroll forms.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA license or active pursuit

Tools

QBO

Xero

NetSuite

Intacct

Acumatica

AppFolio

CaseWare Working Papers

Job description

Smith + Howard seeks an accounting professional to join our Accounting + Advisory Services – Controllership Team in Chattanooga in a hybrid role.

You will handle month-end closes, prepare financial statements, and advise on accounting best practices across diverse clients, leveraging multiple platforms. The role emphasizes practical judgment and strong client communication to support accurate reporting.