Accounting Manager and Controller

Build and lead the client accounting delivery function at a growing tax strategy and accounting firm.

We need an experienced accountant who can personally complete client books and financial statements, establish reliable monthly close procedures, and train two developing part-time bookkeepers.

Our team members are committed and early in their accounting development. They need practical instruction, clear expectations, consistent review, and a leader who takes responsibility for the quality of the finished work.

Expect substantial hands-on accounting work from the start. As the team develops, you will progressively delegate work they can perform accurately.

WHAT YOU WILL OWN

Client Accounting and Financial Delivery

• Assess overdue client work and establish a prioritized completion schedule.
• Perform QuickBooks Online cleanup and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Complete bank, credit card, loan, payroll, and other balance-sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare adjusting entries and supporting schedules.
• Prepare accurate profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and applicable cash flow reports.
• Coordinate missing-information requests with operations.
• Own the accounting work from initial assessment through final review and delivery.

Bookkeeper Training and Accountability

• Assess each bookkeeper’s current skills.
• Build individual training plans around actual client assignments.
• Demonstrate tasks, supervise practice, and review completed work.
• Explain corrections so team members understand the accounting behind them.
• Set clear assignments, deadlines, and quality expectations.
• Address recurring errors directly and professionally.
• Expand responsibilities as competence improves.

Processes and Capacity

• Create practical monthly close checklists and supporting workpapers.
• Establish preparation, review, and delivery responsibilities.
• Maintain a client delivery tracker and report progress to leadership.
• Identify workload constraints and recommend additional staffing when needed.
• Build a sustainable process that supports accurate, timely reporting.

FIRST TWO WEEKS

We expect you to:

• Assess the backlog, condition of the books, and team capabilities.
• Agree on realistic priority-client delivery dates with leadership.
• Personally advance and complete priority work as records permit.
• Establish a close checklist, delivery tracker, and review process.
• Begin structured training with both bookkeepers.
• Present a capacity and recovery plan for the remaining work.

The full recovery schedule will be established after assessing the actual workload and available records.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Strong experience personally preparing small-business financial statements.
• Advanced hands-on QuickBooks Online and reconciliation skills.
• Experience serving multiple clients in CAS, outsourced accounting, or an accounting firm.
• Proven ability to train and supervise junior bookkeepers.
• Ability to diagnose accounting issues and carry corrections through completion.
• Clear communication, reliable follow-through, and sound accounting judgment.
• Availability for substantial hands-on work during the initial recovery period and agreed Eastern Time collaboration hours.

CPA or equivalent professional credential preferred. Familiarity with Karbon and Slack is helpful.

LEADERSHIP STYLE

We value high standards, direct feedback, and patient teaching.

You should be comfortable taking ownership, making decisions within your authority, and surfacing problems early. We expect you to build confidence and competence in the team while maintaining accountability for accurate work.

HOW TO APPLY

Please provide:

1. Your resume or professional profile.
2. Your earliest start date and weekly availability.
3. Your requested rate.
4. An example of a client accounting cleanup you personally completed.
5. An example of how you trained a junior bookkeeper.
6. A brief explanation of how you would balance immediate client delivery with team development.

Finalists may be invited to complete a paid, scoped client-account assessment.