Controller

MBE CPAs • Sturgeon Bay, WI

5d

About The Position

The Controller serves as MBE CPAs’ senior financial leader, performing responsibilities typically associated with a CFO. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for 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, so the Controller must manage a dynamic, complex financial environment with multiple entities, competing priorities, deadlines, and strategic initiatives.

As a member of the leadership team, the Controller partners with firm and affiliate leadership to develop and execute financial strategies that support organizational objectives, operational excellence, and long-term financial sustainability. The position requires strong analytical, leadership, and business acumen, including the ability to turn complex financial and operational data into actionable insights for organizational decisions.

This salaried role can 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 role has an expectation of working 2,110 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, including 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 use financial systems and reporting tools.
• Ability to handle confidential financial information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong financial and business acumen, analytical skills, sound judgment, and ability to translate complex information into practical recommendations.

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 objectives.
• Present financial performance, forecasts, key metrics, and strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Lead annual budget development and ongoing forecasting; develop and maintain financial models and business planning tools.
• Analyze profitability, revenue trends, labor costs, utilization, productivity, and operational performance.
• Design, monitor, and report key performance indicators, dashboards, and scorecards; conduct variance, scenario, and sensitivity analyses.
• Identify revenue growth, cost optimization, and process improvement opportunities through data-driven analysis, and communicate insights to leaders and stakeholders.
• Use reporting systems and business intelligence tools to enhance decision-making.
• Direct accounting operations for MBE CPAs and affiliated entities, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; maintain GAAP compliance and lead month-end and year-end close processes.
• Coordinate annual audits and preparation of required financial reports and tax filings; ensure reporting accuracy, integrity, and transparency across 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 federal, state, and local regulations.
• Monitor financial governance and compliance initiatives, protect organizational assets, and implement corrective actions arising from audits, reviews, or assessments.
• Lead, develop, coach, and mentor finance and accounting team members; set 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, STD, LTD, and critical illness insurance options.
• Bonuses for bringing new clients and team members to the CPA 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