Controller

MBE CPAs • Madison, WI

4d

About The Position

The Controller serves as the organization’s senior financial leader, providing strategic and operational leadership for financial activities across MBE CPAs and its affiliated companies. This includes accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis, cash management, risk management, internal controls, compliance, and financial reporting. The organization is a rapidly growing CPA firm with multiple affiliated companies, so the role requires managing multiple entities, competing priorities, deadlines, and strategic initiatives while maintaining sound financial stewardship.

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, growth, and long-term financial sustainability. The role combines oversight of accounting processes with analysis of financial and operational data, translating complex information into actionable insights and recommendations for organizational decisions.

The position is salaried, with an expectation to work 2,110 hours per year. Candidates may be based at any MBE office, and a fully remote arrangement may be considered. Travel to the Baraboo, Wisconsin headquarters is required five to eight times per year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience.
• At least three 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 leverage financial systems and reporting tools.
• Ability to handle 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, and 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 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 improvement, and improved decision-making through data-driven analysis and reporting tools.
• Direct accounting operations for MBE CPAs and affiliated entities, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed asset management.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and maintain compliance with GAAP.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes; coordinate annual audits, financial reports, and tax filings.
• Ensure financial 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 organizational 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 resulting 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 insurance options for life, AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability, and critical illness.
• Bonuses for bringing new clients and team members to the firm and affiliated companies.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Long-term job stability, flexibility, career growth, and potential for upward mobility.

What This Job Offers

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