Strategic Controller — M&A & Finance Leader

Vaco by Highspring; Windham (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring seeks an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial operations. This hands-on leadership role manages a multi-level team and ensures accurate, compliant financial processes in a fast-growing environment.

The ideal candidate is a CPA or Master's-level accounting professional with strong technical expertise, who thrives on improving systems, driving efficiency, and guiding strategic finance initiatives alongside the CFO and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Active CPA license strongly preferred.
• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or in a senior-level accounting leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience with M&A transactions, including due diligence and integration.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and technical accounting.
• Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing an accounting team.
• Experience working in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to partner with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting function: ledgers, reconciliations, AP/AR, payroll, close.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, forecasts and analyses.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial planning.
• Partner with leaders to provide financial analysis for decision-making.
• Coordinate audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Drive process improvements and system enhancements, including M&A integration.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

GAAP proficiency

Financial analysis

Education

Active CPA license

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Job description

Vaco by Highspring seeks an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial operations. This hands-on leadership role manages a multi-level team and ensures accurate, compliant financial processes in a fast-growing environment.

The ideal candidate is a CPA or Master's-level accounting professional with strong technical expertise, who thrives on improving systems, driving efficiency, and guiding strategic finance initiatives alongside the CFO and senior leaders.