Controller

GRF CPAs & Advisors • Bethesda, MD

32d

About The Position

The Controller is the firm’s lead internal accountant and a key operational leader. Reporting to the Director of Accounting, you’ll oversee the full accounting cycle, lead a small team, and drive process improvements that build scalable, efficient systems. This role ensures financial data is timely, accurate, and decision-ready in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field (required)
• CPA strongly preferred
• 5-10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory roles
• Strong background in general ledger, payroll, and month end close for both cash and accrual basis accounting
• Extensive experience managing multi-state payroll and related compliance, with familiarity in payroll systems and integrations (e.g., ADP, Paychex).
• Strong understanding of billing cycles, WIP accounting, and revenue recognition in a professional services environment
• Experience with AP automation and payment platforms such as Bill.com
• Proven success in leading accounting teams and implementing systems
• Solid working knowledge of GAAP and internal controls
• Proficiency in ERP systems (QuickBooks Online; Sage Intacct experience a plus)
• Advanced Excel skills
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to dig into details while keeping a firm-level perspective
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively across departments
• Thrives on building and improving systems, not just maintaining them
• Hands-on and detail-oriented, yet able to step back and see the big picture
• Communicates clearly and proactively
• Balances urgency with accuracy, and can set priorities in a busy, deadline-driven environment
• Takes ownership, asks the right questions, and drives solutions proactively
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Collaborative and team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in a professional services organization a plus

Responsibilities

• Own the general ledger, ensuring all activity is recorded accurately and timely
• Lead and continuously improve a timely, accurate monthly close (including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis)
• Deliver timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (accrual and cash basis) and actionable management reports for leadership and partners
• Maintain and refine chart of accounts and allocations to support meaningful reporting
• Partner with the Director of Accounting on implementing ERP and accounting platforms
• Identify and design workflows, controls, and integrations between systems to improve efficiency and data integrity
• Develop and document standard operating procedures for accounting processes and ensure consistent application across the team
• Identify opportunities to automate manual work, improve data quality, and enhance reporting
• Strengthen and monitor internal controls and ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• Oversee and reconcile multi-state payroll
• Ensure accurate accounting for benefits, retirement plans, bonuses, and payroll taxes
• Support preparation of compliance-related filings
• Maintain payroll-related schedules and ensure all entries tie to the GL
• Assist in the development of the annual budget and ongoing forecasts
• Prepare recurring and ad-hoc financial analyses, including partner and department-level reporting
• Provide insights into trends and operational metrics to support decision-making
• Lead and develop the accounting team, providing guidance on day-to-day questions and supporting process improvements to ensure accuracy and efficiency
• Collaborate with departments across the org (HR, Operations, Firm Leadership) to ensure alignment and process improvement
• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Our benefits include a 401(k) plan with profit sharing, 100% paid individual medical, life and disability insurance, student loan repayment, and a culture that fosters flexibility and career development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees