Controller

MBE CPAs • Phoenix, AZ

5d

About The Position

The Controller serves as MBE’s senior financial leader and performs responsibilities typically associated with a Chief Financial Officer. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis, cash management, risk management, internal controls, compliance, and financial reporting.

MBE is a rapidly growing CPA firm operating alongside multiple affiliated companies. The Controller must manage a dynamic, complex financial environment with multiple entities, changing priorities, deadlines, and strategic initiatives while ensuring strong financial stewardship. As a member of the leadership team, the Controller partners with firm and affiliate leaders to develop and execute financial strategies that support organizational objectives, operational excellence, and long-term financial sustainability.

This salaried role may be based at any MBE office, and a fully remote arrangement may be considered for the right candidate. Travel to the Baraboo, Wisconsin headquarters is required 5–8 times per year. The position has an expectation of 2,110 work hours per year and offers unlimited PTO.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience.
• Three to five years of leadership or management experience.
• Significant experience overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, and internal controls.
• Thorough understanding of GAAP and financial management best practices.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong technology aptitude and ability to leverage financial systems and reporting tools.
• Ability to manage confidential financial information with professionalism and discretion.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• MBA or other advanced business degree.
• Experience within a CPA firm, professional services organization, or similarly complex multi-entity environment.
• Experience with ERP systems, financial reporting software, and business intelligence platforms.
• Experience using Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics tools.
• Experience overseeing multiple entities, locations, or affiliated organizations.

Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership on strategic planning, organizational growth initiatives, and major business decisions.
• Evaluate the financial implications of operational initiatives, investments, acquisitions, expansion opportunities, and strategic projects.
• Provide recommendations based on financial analysis and business intelligence.
• Lead long-term financial planning and develop financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and sustainability.
• Present financial performance, forecasts, key metrics, and strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Lead annual budget development and ongoing forecasting activities.
• Develop and maintain financial models, forecasts, and business planning tools.
• Analyze profitability, revenue trends, labor costs, utilization, productivity, and operational performance.
• Design, monitor, and report on KPIs, dashboards, and scorecards; conduct variance, scenario, and sensitivity analyses.
• Identify opportunities for revenue growth, cost optimization, process improvements, and improved business performance.
• Translate financial and operational data into insights for leaders and stakeholders, using reporting systems and business intelligence tools.
• Direct accounting operations for MBE CPAs and affiliated entities, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and maintain compliance with GAAP.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes and coordinate annual audits, required financial reports, and tax filings.
• Ensure reporting accuracy, integrity, and transparency across all entities.
• Lead cash flow forecasting and liquidity management; manage banking relationships and financing arrangements.
• Oversee debt obligations, capital expenditures, and investments, and develop strategies to optimize working capital and cash utilization.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Establish and maintain internal controls, financial policies, and procedures; ensure compliance with applicable regulations and monitor governance practices.
• Protect organizational assets and implement corrective actions arising from audits, reviews, or compliance assessments.
• Lead, develop, coach, and mentor finance and accounting team members; establish departmental goals and performance expectations.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and service; support succession planning and professional development.
• Lead financial, operational, and cross-functional projects from planning through implementation.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• FSA/HSA account options.
• 401(k) employer matching program.
• Tuition reimbursement, CPA assistance, and continuing education opportunities.
• Supplemental life, AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability, and critical illness insurance options.
• Bonuses for bringing new clients and team members to the firm and affiliated companies.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Long-term job stability, flexibility, career growth, and upward mobility opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior