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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.
Requirements
  • Bachelor s degree in Accounting or Finance.
  • CPA or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.
li>10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience leading teams.
  • 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.
Skills
  • 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.
Summary Qualification
  • 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.
Wollborg Michelson Recruiting is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination of any kind. We ensure job offers are made based of one s employment experience, skills, and qualifications, regardless of race, gender, ethnic origin, or any other classification protected by law. All applicants must furnish proper identification to prove their legal right to work in the US upon a job offer. We participate in E-Verify to confirm one s right to work in the US. Wollborg Michelson Recruiting does not provide sponsorship for an employment-based visa status.

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