Small Business Controller

Accounting Career Consultants; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Accounting Career Consultants in St. Louis, MO is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead the organization’s accounting and financial operations. The role balances strategic oversight with day-to-day accounting, including close processes, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.

You will partner with leadership to drive financial planning, optimize cash management, and improve systems and processes in a small, growth-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience including general ledger and financial reporting.
• Experience as Controller or senior accounting role.
• Strong GAAP knowledge.
• Proficiency with Excel and ERP systems.
• Ability to work independently in a small, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and cash management.
• Manage and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the general ledger and supporting schedules.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and other accounting transactions.
• Monitor cash balances, cash flow, and working capital requirements.
• Develop and monitor annual budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.
• Analyze actual results compared with budget and provide explanations for significant variances.
• Provide leadership with financial analysis and recommendations to support business decisions.
• Oversee payroll accounting and related reconciliations as needed.
• Ensure timely filing and payment of applicable tax and regulatory obligations.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, tax professionals, banks, and other financial partners.
• Support annual audits and tax preparation by providing accurate financial records and documentation.
• Establish and maintain appropriate accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, and use of financial technology.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations.
• Assist leadership with financial planning, business analysis, and special projects.
• Provide guidance and support to accounting or administrative staff as applicable.
• Perform other financial and accounting responsibilities as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Multitasking / prioritization

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

CPA or other relevant professional certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Why is This a Great Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced accounting professional to take ownership of the financial operations of a growing organization. The Controller will have broad responsibility across accounting, financial reporting, cash management, budgeting, and internal controls, while working closely with leadership on financial decisions. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys a hands-on environment, values autonomy, and wants to have a direct impact on the financial health and continued growth of an organization.

Job Description:

We are seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee the organization’s accounting and financial operations. This position will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, managing the month-end and year-end close processes, preparing financial reports, and providing leadership with timely financial information and analysis.

The Controller will work closely with leadership and other departments to support budgeting, cash management, operational planning, and process improvement. Because this is a small organization, the successful candidate should be comfortable balancing strategic responsibilities with hands-on accounting activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and cash management.
• Manage and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the general ledger and supporting schedules.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and other accounting transactions.
• Monitor cash balances, cash flow, and working capital requirements.
• Develop and monitor annual budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.
• Analyze actual results compared with budget and provide explanations for significant variances.
• Provide leadership with financial analysis and recommendations to support business decisions.
• Oversee payroll accounting and related reconciliations as needed.
• Ensure timely filing and payment of applicable tax and regulatory obligations.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, tax professionals, banks, and other financial partners.
• Support annual audits and tax preparation by providing accurate financial records and documentation.
• Establish and maintain appropriate accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, and use of financial technology.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations.
• Assist leadership with financial planning, business analysis, and special projects.
• Provide guidance and support to accounting or administrative staff as applicable.
• Perform other financial and accounting responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience with general ledger and financial reporting.
• Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or senior-level accounting experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and core accounting principles.
• Experience managing month-end and year-end close processes.
• Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements.
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and cash management.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting/ERP systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines in a small, fast-paced organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or other relevant professional certification.
• Experience working in a small or privately held organization.
• Experience overseeing accounting processes with limited administrative support.
• Experience improving accounting systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Experience working directly with company ownership or executive leadership.
• Familiarity with payroll, tax compliance, and financial planning activities.

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