Optimize Search Group has partnered with a rapidly growing, private equity-backed organization that is seeking a Controller to help build and scale its accounting and finance infrastructure. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced accounting executive who combines strong technical expertise with a hands-on, operational approach.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will play a critical role in establishing scalable accounting processes, strengthening financial controls, supporting acquisitions, and building a high-performing accounting organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
- Oversee the general ledger, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and overall accounting integrity.
- Maintain compliance with U.S. GAAP and oversee technical accounting matters.
- Serve as the primary accounting contact for the annual external audit and manage relationships with outside auditors.
- Establish and implement accounting policies, procedures, controls, and processes designed to support a rapidly expanding organization.
- Develop scalable accounting infrastructure capable of supporting multiple entities, locations, and acquisitions.
- Identify opportunities to streamline the close process through automation, technology, and process improvement.
- Prepare and deliver financial reporting packages for executive leadership, lenders, investors, and other key stakeholders.
- Lead accounting integration efforts associated with acquisitions, ensuring acquired businesses are effectively transitioned into the organization’s financial infrastructure.
- Evaluate acquired companies' accounting processes, systems, controls, reporting capabilities, and personnel.
- Develop repeatable integration processes and best practices to facilitate efficient onboarding of future acquisitions.
- Recruit, develop, and lead the accounting team while establishing an organizational structure that can scale with the business.
- Leverage AI, automation, and emerging technologies to increase efficiency, improve reporting, and enhance accounting productivity.
- Oversee treasury activities, cash management, working capital, and related financial processes across the organization.
Qualifications
- 12–15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including recent leadership experience in a Controller or similar senior accounting role.
- Demonstrated experience working within a private equity-backed organization.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- Active CPA license required, with prior public accounting experience.
- Experience supporting multi-location and/or multi-entity organizations.
- Proven experience managing accounting functions through mergers, acquisitions, and post-acquisition integration.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge and expertise in U.S. GAAP.
- Significant experience with month-end close, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit management.
- Demonstrated ability to establish accounting processes and infrastructure within a rapidly growing organization.
- Experience utilizing AI and automation tools—including platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, or similar technologies—to improve accounting, reporting, and operational efficiency.
- Strong understanding of accounting technology and automation, with the ability to identify and implement opportunities for process improvement.
- Hands-on experience with multi-entity ERP and consolidation platforms such as NetSuite, Oracle Fusion, Workday, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics, or comparable systems.
- Experience with ERP implementations, system migrations, process redesign, or acquisition-related system integrations is highly valued