Management Company - Controller

Petra Funds Group; New York, Los Angeles (NY, CA); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

HSA contributions

401(k) match

Flexible PTO

Holiday calendar

Hybrid work

Job summary

Petra Funds Group seeks a Controller to lead its Management Company Accounting practice, owning service quality, technical accuracy, and delivery across a portfolio of Management Company, Holdings, and GP-level clients.

You will build and manage Accounting Managers and staff, set standards, hire, and drive career development while shaping policy and controls. The role includes audit readiness and cross-functional collaboration with Fund Administration, Operations, Technology, and Client Services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA required or active CPA candidate.
• 10-12+ years of progressive accounting experience in asset management, fund administration, or Big Four advisory for asset managers.
• 4+ years of formal people management experience, including managing managers or leading a multi-person team.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP and full close cycle (GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, T&E).
• Experience owning audits, external auditor relationships, and 1099 or similar tax reporting processes.
• Ability to manage multiple senior client relationships and advise CFOs/executives with credibility and confidence.
• Proficiency with accounting systems; Sage Intacct experience a plus.
• Track record of building or scaling a team, process, or practice, with controls and technology improvements.
• Strong judgment, executive presence, and leadership and communication skills.
• Team-first mentality with a proven record of developing and retaining talent.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end close, reporting, and review for Management Company, Holdings, and GP-level entities.
• Set and approve methodologies for revenue, expenses, and allocations (management fees, offsets, shared expenses).
• Sign off on final financial statements and review statements as the technical reviewer.
• Oversee payables, vendor payments, and cash management with strong controls.
• Oversee bank reconciliations and cash controls; review team results.
• Liaise with Fund Administration leadership and resolve escalated issues.
• Oversee Portfolio Company invoicing and reimbursement processes; controls.
• Own annual audit and 1099 processes; manage auditors and tax providers; resolve findings.
• Own closing calendars, cadences, and deadlines for the team.
• Lead onboarding of new clients, including process design and transition.
• Manage team capacity and staffing; drive process efficiencies.
• Identify and implement best practices across the practice.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Executive presence

Strong communication

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA certification

Tools

Sage Intacct

Job description

Petra Funds Group is a single source provider for the fund administration and fund infrastructure needs of Private Equity and Debt Funds. At Petra, we enable fund managers to focus on the tasks that add the most value to their businesses and leave the rest to us.

Petra is made up of highly experienced professionals across the US and Europe. In a business where accuracy and timeliness are paramount, having a deep bench who have spent years working inside of asset managers is what truly differentiates us.

Our foundation is built on trust, experience, and uncompromising accuracy. Our people are experts. We work collaboratively. We are relentless in our process and put attention to detail first.

As Controller, you will lead Petra’s Management Company Accounting practice, owning service quality, technical accuracy, and delivery across a portfolio of Management Company, Holdings, and GP-level clients. You will serve as the senior accounting authority and trusted advisor to client CFOs, COOs, and controllers, and as the escalation point for the most complex client matters, presenting financial results and strategic accounting recommendations to client leadership, boards, and partners.

You will build, manage, and develop a team of Accounting Managers and staff, setting performance standards, owning hiring, and driving career development. You will also set accounting policy, review methodology, and quality standards, including revenue and expense allocation approaches, and ensure they are applied consistently across clients. You will own the practice’s internal control environment, including review frameworks, segregation of duties, and audit readiness.

Beyond day-to-day delivery, you will lead process, technology, and automation initiatives that improve scalability, efficiency, and client experience. You will partner with leaders in Fund Administration, Operations, Technology, and Client Services to strengthen cross-functional workflows, and contribute to firm strategy as a member of Petra’s accounting leadership group, including capacity planning, pricing input, and practice growth.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end close, reporting, and review process for all assigned Management Company, Holdings, and GP-level entities, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency across the team
• Set and approve methodology for the calculation and recording of revenues, expenses, and allocations, including management fees, fee offsets, and shared expense allocations
• Review and sign off on final financial statements and supporting workbooks before client delivery, and serve as the final technical reviewer on judgmental accounting matters
• Oversee payables, vendor payment, and cash management processes, ensuring strong controls and appropriate approval workflows
• Oversee bank reconciliations and cash controls, and review the results of team-level reviews
• Serve as executive liaison to Fund Administration leadership, owning due to/from manager reporting and resolving escalated issues
• Oversee Portfolio Company invoicing and reimbursement processes and the controls around them
• Own the annual audit and 1099 processes across the client portfolio, serving as the primary relationship with external auditors and tax providers, and resolving audit findings
• Own closing calendars, meeting cadences, and deadline accountability for the full team
• Lead onboarding of new clients, including process design, scoping, and transition from prior providers
• Manage team capacity and resourcing, and make staffing recommendations to firm leadership
• Identify, prioritize, and implement process efficiencies and best practices across the practice

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; CPA required (or active CPA candidate with a clear path to licensure, at Petra’s discretion)
• 10-12+ years of progressive accounting experience, with substantial exposure to Alternative Asset Management, fund administration, or Big Four audit and advisory serving asset managers
• 4+ years of formal people management experience, including managing managers or leading a multi-person team
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP and the full accounting close cycle, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, and T&E
• Experience owning audits, external auditor relationships, and 1099 or similar tax reporting processes
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple senior client relationships and to advise CFOs and other executives with credibility and confidence
• Proficiency with accounting systems; Sage Intacct experience a plus
• Track record of building or scaling a team, process, or practice, including implementing controls and technology improvements
• Strong judgment, executive presence, and leadership and communication skills
• Team-first mentality with a proven record of developing and retaining talent
• Desire to build and lead a growing accounting function

Salary Range

At Petra Funds Group, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring practices. The compensation range for this position is $122,000 - $183,000 per year. This range represents the base salary only. Actual pay will depend on factors such as qualifications, experience, and skills.

How We Care

We believe people do their best work when they feel supported — personally and professionally. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to your well-being. Our perks include:

• 90% covered medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums to help you stay healthy without financial strain.
• Fully funded Health Savings Account (HSA) employer contributions up to the IRS maximum — available to employees enrolled in our high-deductible health plan. *
• 401(k) employer match at 100% of your contributions up to 5% of compensation, with immediate vesting, so you start building long-term savings right away.
• Flexible paid time off to recharge, travel, or take care of what matters most.
• Generous holiday calendar to ensure you have time to rest, reflect, and celebrate throughout the year.
• Hybrid work environment t hat offers flexibility and supports work-life balance.

*Funded amount is prorated for new hires.

What We’re Proud Of

We’re proud of many milestones, but we’re especially honored by the recognition we’ve received for our workplace experience:

• Certified Great Place to Work
• Fortune Best Medium Workplaces and Best Financial Services & Insurance Workplaces