Controller

Flourish•New York, NY

13d•$170,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Flourish is transitioning to a standalone, PE-backed organization and is seeking a hands-on, execution-focused Controller to lead accounting operations and maintain financial integrity during a critical stage of growth and product evolution. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller oversees accounting, financial reporting, broker-dealer regulatory reporting, audit, tax, and compliance; strengthens financial operations; and supports scalable growth. The role manages a Staff Accountant and works closely with the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, who also reports to the CFO. The successful candidate is a strategic, data-driven, detail-oriented, and exceptionally organized accounting leader who can operate in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. They anticipate needs, identify risks, advance initiatives with minimal guidance, communicate effectively with colleagues, auditors, and external stakeholders, and bring financial discipline to operational execution. The role also emphasizes using AI tools and automation to streamline accounting processes and building a scalable accounting function.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting and a professional accounting qualification.
FINRA Series 27 (FINOP) license, or direct experience in a business that owns a broker-dealer or similarly regulated entity, including working with outsourced partners such as FINOP and compliance providers to meet regulatory requirements.
Three or more years of management experience motivating and directing a team of professional staff, including remote teams.
Advanced knowledge of SEC regulations and GAAP.
Experience preparing and reviewing external financial statements, including FOCUS or XBRL reporting.
Ability to pass a FINRA fingerprint background check; additional regulatory screenings may apply for roles requiring registration.

Nice To Haves

Ten or more years of accounting experience in a financial services or fintech environment is strongly preferred.
Master of Accounting degree and CPA.
Experience working in a PE environment.
Demonstrated use of AI tools, such as LLMs and AI-enabled ERP, close, and reconciliation tools, to automate processes and improve efficiency.
Independent and self-motivated while remaining collaborative.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and multitask; proactive, detail-oriented, and results-oriented.
Excellent critical-thinking skills, using logic and reasoning to identify alternative solutions.
Ability to make accurate, independent decisions based on data.
Confident and positive executive presence and interpersonal skills.
Ability to understand the financial impact of decisions and balance it with business partner satisfaction.

Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive accounting operations, including close, reporting, controls, and preparation of GAAP financial statements.
Own regulatory financial reporting for Flourish Financial LLC, a FINRA-member broker-dealer, and other regulated entities, including net capital computations, FOCUS filings, annual audited financial statements, and other SEC/FINRA requirements; perform the FINOP role directly or manage outsourced FINOP and compliance partners.
Manage audit readiness and the relationship with the external auditor.
Oversee implementation of new accounting standards.
Own KPI integrity in financial reporting and the underlying accounting data.
Manage cash flow visibility and working capital reporting.
Manage the third-party tax service provider and compliance filings across jurisdictions.
Partner with the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager to ensure budgets, forecasts, and management reporting reconcile to accounting records, and work with the CEO, CRO, and leadership on reporting alignment.
Identify, quantify, and communicate business risks and opportunities, considering financial, compliance, and operational risk.
Lead projects with accounting and reporting requirements from planning through implementation.
Support carve-out efforts, TSA exit, and standalone readiness.
Build scalable accounting infrastructure and tooling as needed, coordinating with third-party implementation firms, and automate and streamline close, reconciliations, reporting, and other workflows.
Hire, lead, and develop a Staff Accountant, and scale the accounting team as the business grows.