Director, Accounting and Controller

Hawkes Learning•Charleston, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Reports To: CEO Direct Reports: 3 Accounting Team Members (1 Full-Time, 2 Part-Time) We are a growing PE backed EdTech company with $20 million and growing in annual revenue, serving the higher education market through innovative curriculum-based software solutions and selected print products. We are the fastest growing company in the space leveraging our learning approach, industry knowledge and extremely strong culture. Since acquiring the business 3 years ago we have been investing in the business and showing consistent growth as we take share away from the legacy competitors. Combined with our leading Mastery Learning platform, our use of AI throughout the business and products has given us a unique competitive advantage. Our business has experienced consistent annual growth of 10-15%, and we are entering an exciting phase of operational transformation. We are modernizing our financial systems, improving business processes, and building the infrastructure necessary to support continued growth and need a leader to help drive these changes. The Controller will be a key member of the executive team with responsible for leading all accounting and financial operations while helping build the systems, processes, and team needed to support a growing business. This role combines hands-on accounting leadership with strategic process improvement and technology implementation. A successful candidate will oversee all accounting functions, manage a small accounting team, lead the implementation of a new accounting platform, modernize expense management and corporate credit card processes, and provide accurate and timely financial information to support decision-making. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who enjoys both operational excellence and organizational growth and wants to make a meaningful impact in a PE backed growing company.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
3+ years of accounting leadership or management experience.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
Experience leading month-end close and annual audit processes.
Experience implementing or significantly upgrading accounting systems.
Strong proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

CPA designation.
Experience in software, SaaS, EdTech, publishing, or technology-enabled businesses.
Experience with inventory and warehouse accounting.
ERP implementation experience.
Experience scaling financial operations in growing companies ranging from $10M-$50M in revenue.
Experience with business intelligence and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

Oversee all accounting operations, including: General ledger, Accounts payable & receivable, Payroll oversight, Revenue recognition, Inventory accounting, Month-end and year-end close processes
Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable financial regulations.
Manage annual audits and coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners.
Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting policies.
Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of a new accounting/ERP system.
Redesign and improve accounting workflows and business expense policies to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements across finance, expense management, and accounting functions.
Oversee policy adjustments for credit cards, check requests, and approval processes.
Develop reporting and dashboard capabilities that provide meaningful business insights.
Lead, coach, and develop a team of three accounting professionals.
Evaluate organizational structure and process improvements to reduce manual work through automation and system enhancements.
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented culture.
Support executive team with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
Communicate regularly not only with the executive team, but also with the Board as key strategic decisions are being made.
Provide financial analysis to support strategic decisions.
Partner with leadership across sales, operations, product, fulfillment, and customer success.
Monitor key business metrics, profitability, and operating performance.
Support growth initiatives and operational scaling efforts.
Oversee accounting processes related to print products and warehouse inventory.
Ensure accurate inventory valuation and controls.
Partner with operations to improve inventory reporting and management.