Our client, a well-established and highly respected regional accounting firm headquartered in Orange County, California, is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial operations. The firm provides comprehensive accounting, tax, audit, and advisory services to businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
This is an excellent opportunity for a CPA with strong financial leadership experience to join a growing organization and work closely with executive leadership on financial strategy, operational efficiency, and long-term business planning.
The Controller will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, internal controls, and accounting operations. This individual will also play an important role in partner compensation, profitability analysis, and strategic growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Lead annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and long-term financial planning initiatives.
- Prepare and present monthly financial statements, management reports, and financial performance analyses.
- Monitor key performance indicators, including profitability, utilization, realization, and revenue per employee.
- Analyze financial results, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations to executive leadership.
- Support strategic growth initiatives, including potential acquisitions, expansion opportunities, and financial modeling.
- Collaborate with department leaders on compensation planning, staffing projections, and expense management.
Accounting & Financial Operations
- Oversee day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts receivable, billing, collections, payroll, and general ledger activities.
- Manage month-end and year-end closing processes to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Develop cash flow projections and oversee banking relationships, liquidity, and treasury operations.
- Monitor work-in-process (WIP), revenue recognition, and overall financial performance.
- Maintain strong financial controls and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
Partner Compensation & Profitability
- Manage financial reporting and analysis related to partner compensation, capital accounts, distributions, and ownership transactions.
- Evaluate profitability across departments, service lines, and individual partners.
- Provide financial insights to support executive-level decision-making and resource allocation.
- Assist leadership with compensation modeling and other strategic financial initiatives.
Process Improvement & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and finance team.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
- Implement enhancements to accounting systems, financial technology, and reporting tools.
- Establish effective accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Coordinate annual audit and tax preparation activities with external providers.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to support organizational initiatives and special projects.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Active CPA license.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
- At least 3 years of leadership or management experience within an accounting or finance function.
- Strong background in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Demonstrated experience managing accounting operations and developing financial strategies.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
Preferred
- Experience within a public accounting firm or professional services organization.
- Familiarity with partner compensation structures, profitability analysis, and professional services financial metrics.
- Experience overseeing payroll, treasury management, and internal accounting controls.
- Knowledge of practice management systems, financial forecasting software, and accounting automation tools.
- Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or business expansion initiatives.
Our client offers a competitive compensation package and a collaborative, employee-focused culture that emphasizes professional growth and work-life balance.
- Eligibility for a discretionary performance bonus.
- Comprehensive employee benefits package.
- Remote work environment offering flexibility and autonomy.
- Opportunity to work directly with executive leadership and influence financial strategy.
- Long-term professional growth within an established and expanding organization.
Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, technical expertise, and geographic location.