Controller (Houston)

The Controller, Financial Accounting is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing financial accounting operations, managing a team of accounting professionals, ensuring compliance with internal controls and GAAP standards, and delivering high-quality financial services to clients. This role blends technical accounting expertise, team leadership, client relationship management, and operational excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & ManagementLead, mentor, and develop a team of financial accounting professionalsSet priorities, review work, and ensure adherence to internal controls and processesConduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and training sessionsManage team capacity, PTO planning, and workload distributionDrive accountability for KPIs, quality standards, and deadlinesFinancial Oversight & Close ProcessOversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processesReview and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reportsEnsure timely completion of all client deliverablesSupport 1099 reporting and compliance activitiesResearch and apply GAAP standards to complex transactionsInternal Controls & AuditEnsure compliance with SOC controls and internal policiesAct as primary liaison for external auditorsMonitor and coordinate audit evidence submissionRecommend improvements to controls and processesClient Relationship ManagementServe as a key point of contact for client engagementsLead client meetings and maintain strong communication channelsEnsure high client satisfaction and proactively resolve issuesParticipate in onboarding new clients and understanding business needsSupport billing discussions, including out-of-scope workSystems & Process ImprovementAct as subject matter expert for financial systems (ERP, reporting tools, etc.)Support system implementations, upgrades, and data migrationsIdentify automation and efficiency opportunitiesMaintain and improve documentation, workflows, and proceduresBusiness Development & GrowthSupport sales efforts, including SOW development and client discovery sessionsProvide input on staffing models and pricingIdentify expansion opportunities within existing client relationshipsOperational & Financial PerformanceMonitor utilization, engagement profitability, and forecast vs. actual hoursEnsure proper time tracking and billing practicesOptimize resource allocation and improve marginsCulture & Organizational ContributionPromote a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance cultureParticipate in company initiatives, training, and eventsAct as a trusted advisor to both clients and internal teamsQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance8–12+ years of progressive accounting experienceStrong knowledge of GAAP and financial reportingExperience managing teams and client relationshipsBackground in audit, controllership, or outsourced accounting (BPO)PreferredCPA or equivalent certificationExperience with ERP systems and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI)Experience in multi-client or consulting environmentsKey CompetenciesLeadership & people developmentClient relationship managementTechnical accounting expertiseProcess improvement mindsetStrong communication and organizational skillsAnalytical and problem-solving ability