Fractional Controller - Technology & Process Transformation

Go Fractional; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Medical, Dental, Vision & Life

Remote or hybrid options

Mentorship program

Job summary

Optima is seeking a Controller to lead accounting for a portfolio of clients, overseeing teams, and delivering accurate statements and KPIs. You will drive close, reporting, and controls while partnering with the Technology team on system migrations and AP automation.

You'll apply GAAP expertise, manage multiple client engagements, and leverage AI tools to improve efficiency. This hybrid role requires 3 days in the San Diego office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years at controller level or equivalent.
• Strong command of GAAP, month-end close, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Hands-on experience with cloud accounting platforms (QB Online, NetSuite, Sage) and strong Excel skills.
• Track record of improving processes with technology (implementation, migration, automation, or tool rollout).
• Practical use of generative AI tools in work with data confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to manage multiple clients and deadlines.
• Able to work hybrid, 3 days per week in San Diego office.

Responsibilities

• Lead client engagements, manage scope and budget, and coach staff accountants.
• Close and report on month-end processes, deliver KPIs, budgets, and forecasts; use FP&A tools for visibility.
• Oversee accounting operations: GL, AR/AP, payroll, tax filings; coordinate audits.
• Assess workflows and implement tools with Technology team; optimize controls and data integrity.
• Drive adoption of AI tools and document SOPs for scalable processes.

Skills

GAAP proficiency

Communication

Team leadership

Problem solving

Client management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

QuickBooks Online

NetSuite

Sage Intacct

Xero

Bill.com

Ramp

Jirav

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Accounting is changing faster than it has in decades. We'd rather lead that change than react to it.

AI, automation, and modern finance platforms are taking over routine tasks and creating new opportunities for Controllers to deliver greater value. The days of spending hours on data entry, manual reconciliations, and spreadsheet maintenance are fading. This frees great Controllers to do what clients truly need: understand the business, fix broken processes, and deliver numbers leaders can act on. At Optima, you'll have real tools and a Technology team behind you. We're looking for Controllers who want to help us, and our clients, figure out what comes next.

Job Summary

As an Optima Controller you'll run the accounting function for a portfolio of clients, responsible for the relationship, the team, and the results. You'll also be the person we send in to make each client's accounting function better: learn how work gets done, find where time and accuracy are leaking, and implement a better way forward.

Essential functions:

Lead the Engagement

• Client and team: Be the primary contact for clients' owners and finance leaders. Direct and coach the staff accountants on your clients, and review work before it goes out.
• Scope and retention: Manage each engagement to scope and budget, raise issues early, and spot where a client would benefit from CFO, HR, or technology advisory support.

Own the Numbers

• Close and reporting: Run an on-time month-end close and deliver accurate financial statements, KPIs, management reporting, budgets, and forecasts. Work with our reporting and FP&A tools (such as Optima Insights and Jirav) to give clients clear visibility. You don't need to build dashboards — you need to know what good looks like and what questions to ask.
• Accounting operations and controls: Oversee the GL, AR/AP, payroll, sales tax, and EDD filings, maintain sound internal controls, and coordinate audits with outside CPAs. Supervise, mentor and coach your engagement team.

Modernize the Workflow

• Assess and vet: Use Optima's Discovery & Scoping process to map current workflows, then evaluate tools (such as Bill.com, Ramp, or AI-native close tools) on fit, cost, integrations, and controls.
• Implement: Partner with our Technology team on system conversions, data migrations, and AP automation rollouts, from data mapping through cutover and training.
• Experiment and share: Use Optima's approved AI tools to speed up research and routine work, document what works in SOPs, and help us decide what's ready to scale.

You’ll Thrive Here If You Are:

• Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning. You embrace new technologies, explore emerging tools, and aren't afraid to lean through experimentation and iterating.
• A process-minded problem solver with healthy skepticism. You see the close as a system, and you inquire about controls, data integrity, and cost before recommending solutions.
• An owner. You treat each client as your own, proactively manage expectations, follow through on commitments, and address challenges before they become frustrations.
• A trusted advisor and communicator. You can explain complex financial, operational, and technology concepts for audiences at every level, from bookkeepers to CFOs, and you consider the business from a macro perspective.

We're not looking for someone to preserve the status quo. We're looking for Controllers who are excited to challenge legacy processes, embrace emerging technologies, and help define the future of accounting for our clients.

This is a hybrid position that requires 3 days in our San Diego office.

Optima Office is the place for you if…

• You are adaptable - you can adjust on the fly and welcome diverse clients.
• You are technically strong – you have experience in accounting, finance or HR and can be relied upon by colleagues and clients for accurate and timely work. A variety of industry and software experience is considered a huge plus, but not required for staff level positions. We certainly welcome subject matter experts at the more senior levels.
• You are a pro-active communicator who has a sense of urgency with response time.
• You are kind and collaborative – you are a team player who works well with others.
• You are a self-starter – you take initiative and be proactive in accomplishing your goals.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years at the Controller level or equivalent (e.g., Assistant Controller, or Manager in public accounting).
• Strong command of GAAP, the month-end close, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud accounting platforms (QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Xero, or similar) and strong Excel skills.
• A track record of improving a process with technology (an implementation, migration, automation, or tool you evaluated and rolled out) that you can walk us through.
• Practical use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot) in your work, with a clear sense of how to protect confidential client data.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to manage multiple clients and deadlines independently.
• Able to work hybrid, 3 days per week in our San Diego office.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or MBA; public accounting, consulting, or professional services background.
• Experience with AP/spend platforms (Bill.com, Ramp), system conversions, or project and change management.
• Familiarity with Power Query, FP&A and reporting tools (Jirav, Fathom, Power BI), or workflow automation (Power Automate, Zapier, n8n).
• Industry systems such as AppFolio, Yardi, Deltek, or fund accounting platforms.

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time

Additional Perks and Benefits:

• All positions can be full Time, part time, in-person or hybrid.
• Our clients do like to see us from time to time, but working remotely is an option.
• 401K with company match of up to 50% of the first 6%.
• Competitive pay with revenue sharing for salaried individuals.
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance Vacation, Sick and Holiday Pay.
• Peer to Peer Recognition Program - Bonusly.
• Mentorship program.
• Happy hours and much more!

Salary Description

$70.00 - $75.00