Controller

Serent Capital • Austin, TX

38d • Onsite

About The Position

The Controller will play a critical leadership role within the finance function of a $6+ billion private equity platform investing across six buyout fund groups. Reporting to the CFO and partnering closely with the VP of Finance, this role oversees fund accounting, management company accounting, and expanded ownership of GP accounting. The Controller will serve as the primary internal owner of the third-party fund administrator and audit relationships, while driving process institutionalization, control enhancement, and thoughtful adoption of technology, including AI-enabled tools, to streamline and scale finance operations. This role is ideal for a hands-on private equity finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with a builder’s mindset and a desire to operate in an entrepreneurial, high-ownership environment.

Requirements

• Ideal candidates will have 8–12+ years of experience in a private equity or venture capital fund accounting leadership position, ideally within professional services or investment management industries, responsible for overseeing fund accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and managing third-party fund administrators.
• The Controller will have recruited and managed a team successfully for multiple years in their career.
• The successful Controller candidate will possess strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and private fund structures, with demonstrated experience improving processes and implementing robust financial controls.
• The successful Controller will be hands-on, detail-oriented, and bring a strong ownership mentality.
• They will be an intellectually curious, open-minded, and well-rounded leader with exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for building community, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment that supports the business strategy.
• BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field required.

Nice To Haves

• Big 4 experience is preferred, and a CPA designation is strongly preferred.
• CPA strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Fund Accounting Oversight
• Own relationship with third-party fund administrator across six fund groups
• Review quarterly NAV packages, capital account statements, and supporting workpapers
• Oversee capital calls, distributions, waterfalls, and carried interest calculations
• Lead interim and annual fund audits with Big 4 audit firm
• Ensure compliance with LPAs and U.S. GAAP
• Maintain LP wire instructions
• Investor & Portfolio Reporting
• Contribute to quarterly LP reporting including financial schedules and supporting materials
• Partner with investment team and portfolio company CFOs to collect and validate operating data
• Enhance data collection processes and improve reporting efficiency
• Support LP presentations and annual meeting preparation
• Management Company & GP Accounting
• Oversee management company accounting and cash flow forecasting
• Review journal entries and financial reporting prepared by the Sr. Accountant
• Formalize and expand ownership of GP entity accounting
• Coordinate annual financial statement audits and tax filings
• Strengthen internal documentation and close processes
• Process Institutionalization & Technology Leadership
• Strengthen internal controls and scalable workflows
• Identify gaps in current processes and implement pragmatic improvements
• Evaluate and implement technology solutions to reduce manual processes
• Champion thoughtful adoption of AI and related tools to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy
• Team Leadership
• Directly manage and develop Sr. Management Company Accountant
• Mentor Finance Associate
• Operate as a player-coach within the finance team

What This Job Offers

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