Part-Time Freelance Controller

Socialdeviant•Chicago, IL

About The Position

SOCIALDEVIANT is looking for a Part-Time Freelance Controller to join their team. This role is the financial backbone of the agency, responsible for keeping financial operations on track. Key responsibilities include monthly close and reporting, budgeting, contractor tracking, and cash flow management. The Controller will ensure leadership has the clarity needed to make sharp decisions and will work closely with agency leadership, reporting directly to the Head of Operations. SOCIALDEVIANT is a social-first creative agency that delivers strategy through content production for major brands at high speed, and they need their accounting and financials to match this pace and rigor. The company is a proud equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

Requirements

7+ years of accounting or finance experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or senior financial role
Available for approximately 20 hours per week
Deep proficiency in QuickBooks Online and Excel
Experience with project-based billing, retainer models, and revenue recognition
Familiarity with payroll platforms (e.g., TriNet)
Ability to work independently and manage priorities across a part-time engagement
Strong analytical skills with a bias for clean, actionable reporting
Excellent communication skills—you can translate numbers into narrative for non-finance stakeholders
Above all, kindness, composure, and relentless curiosity

Nice To Haves

Agency, professional services, or creative industry experience strongly preferred
CPA designation preferred; MBA a plus

Responsibilities

Processing and reconciling of bank account, credit cards, payment gateways, and loan accounts
Building and maintaining monthly cash flow forecasts, flagging risks and opportunities to leadership
Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, ensuring timely processing and collections
Entering bills and invoices manually
Overseeing client billing and revenue recognition in alignment with project scopes and agency retainers
Delivering monthly variance analysis against budget to actuals
Serving as the primary liaison with external accountants, auditors, and tax preparers
Overseeing payroll processing in coordination with Ops, ensuring accuracy and compliance
Maintaining and improve financial systems, workflows, and internal controls
Providing ad hoc financial analysis and reporting to support leadership decisions on staffing, pricing, and growth
Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax obligations