Controller

Smith & Howard•Atlanta, GA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced and growth-oriented Controller to lead the firm’s financial operations, reporting, and integration efforts. This role is critical in supporting one of the fastest-growing CPA firms in the country and will require a hands-on leader capable of scaling financial infrastructure, managing complexity from acquisitions, and maintaining operational excellence across a dynamic, multi-entity environment. The ideal candidate brings deep experience from a large CPA firm (> $100M in revenue), has led acquisition accounting and post-deal integrations, and is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth setting with both domestic and offshore teams. Given the highly collaborative nature of the role and close interaction with executive leadership, there is a strong preference for this individual to be based in Atlanta.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA required).
10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including senior leadership roles.
Prior experience at a CPA firm with $100M+ in revenue.
Demonstrated experience in acquisition accounting and post-merger integration.
Strong technical accounting knowledge (GAAP, revenue recognition, consolidations).
Proven ability to build and scale accounting processes in a high-growth environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or working closely with offshore accounting teams.
Exposure to private equity-backed or acquisitive professional services firms.
Experience supporting or overseeing treasury and cash management functions.
Experience with finance systems such as NetSuite, Practice Engine, or similar ERP platforms.

Responsibilities

Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, revenue recognition, consolidations, and month-end close processes.
Ensure timely, accurate, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting across multiple entities and offices.
Establish scalable financial processes and internal controls to support continued rapid growth.
Manage preparation of financial statements, board reporting packages, and key performance analytics.
Lead accounting for acquisitions, including purchase accounting, opening balance sheet preparation, and post-close adjustments.
Drive financial integration of acquired firms, ensuring alignment of accounting policies, systems, and reporting structures.
Partner with executive leadership and external advisors on due diligence, QofE insights, and integration planning.
Standardize integration playbooks to enhance efficiency in future transactions.
Continuously evaluate and improve processes, systems, and controls to support scalability and efficiency.
Partner with FP&A, operations, and practice leaders to provide actionable insights and improve firm performance.
Support system optimization and integration (e.g., ERP, time & billing, reporting tools).
Support or oversee treasury operations, including cash forecasting, liquidity management, and banking relationships.
Partner with leadership on debt management, capital structure considerations, and cash optimization strategies.
Enhance controls and visibility around cash positioning to support growth and acquisition activity.
Lead and develop a high-performing accounting team across multiple geographies.
Collaborate effectively with offshore accounting teams, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with firm standards.
Establish clear accountability, workflows, and performance expectations across all teams.
Build a finance function capable of supporting rapid, sustained growth.
Anticipate challenges associated with scaling and proactively address them.
Serve as a trusted partner to the CFO and executive team in managing growth-related financial risks and opportunities.