We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead our accounting, payroll, and finance operations.
This is a key leadership position responsible for the accuracy of our financial records, the strength of our financial controls, and the timely execution of essential functions—including accounts payable, payroll, cash management, month-end close, and financial reporting.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting knowledge with excellent judgment, accountability, and follow-through. This person should be equally comfortable reviewing financial statements, improving processes, coordinating with outside professionals, and stepping into the details when necessary.
The Controller will report directly to company leadership and serve as the primary owner of the accounting function.
Key ResponsibilitiesAccounting and Financial Reporting
- Maintain accurate and complete financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing processes
- Prepare and review income statements, balance sheets, cash-flow statements, and management reports
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure journal entries are accurate, supported, and properly recorded
- Complete and review bank, credit-card, balance-sheet, and intercompany reconciliations
- Analyze financial results and clearly communicate significant trends, risks, and opportunities to leadership
- Maintain an organized, audit-ready accounting environment
Accounts Payable and Receivable
- Oversee accounts payable, vendor records, payment schedules, and recurring company obligations
- Ensure invoices are properly documented, coded, approved, and paid on time
- Oversee accounts receivable, customer payments, collections, and related reconciliations
- Maintain strong controls around vendor creation, payment authorization, and cash disbursements
- Review expenses for accuracy, proper classification, and compliance with company policies
Payroll, Benefits, and PEO Coordination
- Oversee payroll processing and ensure employees are paid accurately and on time
- Review payroll reports, deductions, reimbursements, commissions, and related general-ledger entries
- Ensure payroll tax filings and other payroll obligations are completed accurately
- Serve as the primary financial liaison with the company’s Professional Employer Organization (PEO)
- Help coordinate employee benefits, enrollment, payroll changes, and related administrative matters
- Reconcile payroll and benefits accounts and resolve discrepancies promptly
Cash and Treasury Management
- Monitor company cash positions and upcoming financial obligations
- Manage authorized transfers among company bank accounts
- Prepare short-term cash-flow forecasts and advise leadership of anticipated cash needs
- Maintain productive relationships with banks and other financial partners
- Support responsible liquidity management while protecting company funds
- Maintain appropriate approval procedures and separation of duties for cash transactions
Budgeting and Financial Analysis
- Lead or support the annual budgeting and forecasting process
- Prepare budget-to-actual and period-over-period variance analyses
- Develop practical financial reporting that helps leadership understand company performance
- Identify financial trends, unusual activity, and potential risks
- Translate accounting information into clear, useful business insights
Internal Controls and Compliance
- Establish, document, and maintain effective accounting policies and internal controls
- Identify control weaknesses and implement practical corrective measures
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial and payroll requirements
- Maintain supporting documentation for transactions, reconciliations, and financial reports
- Coordinate with external CPAs, tax professionals, auditors, insurance providers, banks, and other advisors
- Assist with tax preparation, audits, regulatory filings, and other compliance matters
Systems and Process Improvement
- Evaluate and improve accounting workflows, reporting processes, and financial controls
- Maintain the integrity of the company’s accounting systems and financial data
- Use Excel and accounting software to improve analysis, accuracy, and efficiency
- Reduce unnecessary manual work and create repeatable, well-documented processes
- Help develop a scalable accounting function that can support the company’s continued growth
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- At least 7 years of progressive accounting experience
- Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or comparable senior accounting leader
- Strong working knowledge of GAAP and financial-statement preparation
- Demonstrated experience leading month-end and year-end close
- Hands-on experience with general-ledger accounting, account reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll
- Strong understanding of cash management, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls
- Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel
- Ability to analyze financial information and communicate findings clearly
- Exceptional attention to detail, organization, discretion, and follow-through
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines with limited supervision
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA or CMA certification
- Experience managing accounting for multiple companies or legal entities
- Experience working with a PEO
- Experience coordinating with external accountants, auditors, and tax professionals
- Experience improving accounting systems and implementing internal controls
- Experience within a growing, entrepreneurial, or privately held organization
What Success Looks Like
- Payroll, bills, and required filings are completed accurately and on time
- Monthly financial statements are accurate, dependable, and delivered promptly
- Bank and balance-sheet accounts remain fully reconciled
- Leadership has clear visibility into cash flow and financial performance
- Financial processes are documented, controlled, and consistently followed
- Issues are identified early and presented with practical solutions
- The accounting function operates with accuracy, accountability, urgency, and professionalism
Compensation
The starting salary for this position is $140,000 per year, with final compensation based on experience, qualifications, and the scope of expertise brought to the role.
Work Location
This is a full-time, in-office position in Nashville, Tennessee. Candidates must be able to work from our Nashville office during regular business hours.
How to Apply
Please submit your résumé along with a brief introduction describing your experience owning accounting operations, payroll, financial reporting, cash management, and month-end close.
We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.
Pay: From $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
