Controller

MBE CPAs • Phoenix, AZ

4d • Remote

About The Position

The Controller is the organization’s senior financial leader, providing strategic and operational leadership across 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 role requires managing a dynamic, complex financial environment with multiple entities, competing priorities, deadlines, and strategic initiatives. The Controller is a key member of the leadership team and partners closely with firm and affiliate leadership to develop and execute financial strategies that support organizational objectives, operational excellence, and long-term financial sustainability.

The successful candidate combines accounting expertise with strategic leadership, analytical ability, business acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to turn complex financial and operational data into actionable recommendations. The role includes leading and developing the finance and accounting team, supporting cross-functional initiatives, and helping leadership evaluate business opportunities and make informed decisions.

The position may be based at any MBE office, and fully remote work may be considered for the right candidate. Travel to the Baraboo, Wisconsin headquarters is required five to eight times per year. This is a salaried role with unlimited PTO and an expectation of 2,110 work hours 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 use 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.
• Provide recommendations based on financial analysis and business intelligence.
• Lead long-term financial planning and develop financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• 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 key performance indicators, dashboards, and scorecards.
• Conduct variance, scenario, and sensitivity analyses and recommend improvements to business performance.
• Identify opportunities for revenue growth, cost optimization, and process improvement through data-driven analysis.
• Translate financial and operational data into insights for firm leaders and stakeholders, leveraging reporting systems and business intelligence tools.
• Direct accounting operations for MBE CPAs and affiliated entities, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and maintain GAAP compliance.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes.
• Coordinate annual audits and the preparation of required financial reports and tax filings.
• Ensure accurate, integral, and transparent financial reporting across 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 regulatory compliance and protect organizational assets.
• Monitor financial governance and compliance initiatives and implement corrective actions resulting from audits, reviews, or compliance 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, short-term disability, long-term disability, 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, and opportunities for career growth and upward mobility.

What This Job Offers

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