
Controller / Head Of Accounting
Wollborg Michelson RecruitingNewport Beach, CA
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Job Description
Controller / Head of AccountingJob SummaryThe Controller / Head of Accounting is a strategic finance leader responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting, and leading a high-performing accounting team. This role partners closely with senior finance and cross-functional leaders to support business growth, drive operational excellence, and strengthen internal controls and financial governance.Responsibilities
- Lead all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, revenue recognition, inventory, fixed assets, and cost accounting.
- Partner with senior finance leadership to develop accounting strategy aligned with growth initiatives, transactions, and long-term financial goals.
- Provide insights into financial results, trends, and risks to support executive decision-making.
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal accounting policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Lead preparation for external audits, tax filings, and statutory reporting, serving as primary point of contact for auditors.
- Maintain strong internal controls and control frameworks to safeguard assets and ensure data integrity.
- Own the accounting systems roadmap, including ERP enhancements, automation initiatives, and integration of acquisitions.
- Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, scalability, and accuracy within accounting operations.
- Establish and document accounting policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Lead, coach, and develop a multi-level accounting team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Build talent pipelines, support career development, and ensure effective succession planning.
- Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback and performance management.
- Collaborate with FP&A, Operations, HR, IT, and Legal to align financial processes, policies, and data integrity.
- Support due diligence, integration, and accounting implications for acquisitions and other strategic initiatives.
- Bachelor s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- CPA or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
- Experience with ERP systems and accounting process automation.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and scale high-performing accounting teams.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information to executive leadership.
- Experience in high-growth, multi-entity, or manufacturing/distribution environments preferred.
- Background supporting M&A activity and systems integrations preferred.
- Experience working with private equity or complex ownership structures is an advantage.
- Expertise in accounting operations across GL, AP, AR, payroll, and revenue recognition.
- Strong technical accounting skills with deep understanding of GAAP.
- Proficiency with ERP platforms and financial systems;ability to drive systems enhancements and automation.
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
- Leadership and people management skills with a focus on coaching and team development.
- Strong process improvement mindset with experience optimizing accounting workflows.
- Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
- High level of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to strong internal controls.
- Bachelor s degree in Accounting or Finance;CPA or equivalent preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
- Track record of overseeing full-cycle accounting and financial reporting.
- Experience managing audits, tax filings, and compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards.
- History of leading accounting process improvements and systems implementations.
- Proven success in building, developing, and retaining high-performing accounting teams.
- Exposure to high-growth or complex organizational environments, including M&A and multi-entity structures.
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