Financial Controller/Tax Manager

Paragon Forensics LLC; Laguna Hills (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Paragon Forensics LLC, a fast-growing consulting firm based in Laguna Hills, CA, seeks an experienced Financial Controller/Tax Manager to lead accounting and tax functions and replace external CPA services.

The role combines technical accounting, tax expertise, and strategic insight to support business growth, oversee staff, and drive internal control improvements across multi-state operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Active CPA license is required.
• Significant experience with corporate tax preparation, filings, and tax strategy.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting, including 4+ years in Controller/ASC/Accounting Manager with tax responsibility.
• Experience transitioning away from outsourced tax services.
• Background in professional services or consulting with project accounting is preferred.
• Strong GAAP knowledge, tax regulations, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with accounting software (QuickBooks/NetSuite) and advanced Excel.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations and manage the Staff Accountant.
• Prepare accurate financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and weekly/monthly reports.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and project profitability analysis.
• Own corporate tax preparation, filings, and multi-state compliance.
• Develop and execute corporate tax strategy, planning, provisions, and optimization.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain internal controls and accounting processes.
• Deliver financial insights to inform strategic decisions and cash flow management.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and system enhancements.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Tax planning

Financial reporting

Leadership

Advanced Excel

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

QuickBooks

NetSuite

Job description

We are a fast growing 30-person consulting firm based in Laguna Hills, CA with a satellite office in Philadelphia, PA. We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller/Tax Manager to lead our accounting and tax functions internally. This role will eliminate the need for our current third-party CPA by taking full ownership of tax preparation, filings, and corporate tax strategy.

Position Summary

The Financial Controller/Tax Manager will oversee all accounting operations, manage our Staff Accountant, and serve as the primary internal leader for financial reporting and compliance. As the Tax manager, this individual will be responsible for all Company and related tax preparation and filings. This is a hands-on role that combines strong technical accounting, tax expertise, and strategic insight to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor the current Staff Accountant on AP, AR, invoicing, remittances, reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and management reports on weekly/monthly basis.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and client/project profitability analysis.
• Take full ownership of corporate tax preparation, filings, and multi-state compliance (federal, state, and local), eliminating reliance on external CPA services.
• Develop and execute corporate tax strategy, including tax planning, provisions, and optimization opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and all regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls and accounting processes.
• Deliver financial insights to support strategic decision-making and cash flow management.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and system enhancements.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
• Active CPA license required.
• Significant and recent experience with corporate tax preparation, filings, and tax strategy required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 4+ years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accounting Manager role with direct tax responsibility.
• Experience transitioning away from outsourced tax services is highly preferred.
• Background in professional services or consulting firms strongly preferred (project accounting, revenue recognition, utilization reporting).
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, tax regulations, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.