Virtual Controller

About Compass CPA

Compass CPA is a rapidly growing accounting, tax, and advisory firm providing Virtual Accountant, Virtual Controller, Virtual CFO, Tax Planning, Tax Compliance, Cost Segregation, and R&D Tax Credit services to businesses throughout the United States.

Our philosophy is simple:

Match. Stack. Drive.

We match services to client goals, stack the right people and systems around them, and drive measurable outcomes through proactive financial leadership.

Position Overview

Compass CPA is seeking an experienced, U.S.-based Virtual Controller to serve as a primary financial operations leader for our clients.

Unlike a traditional Controller working within a single company, our Virtual Controllers work directly with multiple business owners and leadership teams, providing outsourced Controller services across a portfolio of growing businesses.

This is a highly client-facing leadership position responsible for overseeing accounting operations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, HR administration, financial reporting, cash flow management, systems implementation, process improvement, and operational efficiency initiatives.

The Virtual Controller acts as the bridge between the client, Staff Accountant, Payroll/HR team, Tax Team, and CFO Team, ensuring clients receive accurate financial information, efficient back-office operations, and proactive financial management support.

This role is ideal for a professional who enjoys advising business owners, improving systems, leading financial operations, and creating structure within growing organizations.

Primary Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as primary Controller contact for assigned clients
• Lead monthly and recurring client meetings
• Build trusted relationships with business owners and leadership teams
• Respond to client requests and questions promptly
• Coordinate projects between clients and internal Compass CPA teams
• Identify opportunities for additional services and operational improvements
• Present financial information in a way non-financial owners can understand

Financial Operations Leadership

Own and oversee the client's financial operations function, including:

• Month-end close process
• General ledger review
• Financial statement review
• Revenue recognition
• Fixed asset management
• Job costing and project costing
• Inventory oversight
• Internal control procedures
• Audit readiness
• Financial process documentation

The Virtual Controller is expected to review and supervise accounting work completed by Staff Accountants while maintaining the overall integrity of client financial data.

Accounts Payable Management

Oversee the client's vendor management and bill payment processes:

• Vendor onboarding
• Vendor maintenance
• AP workflow development
• Bill approval processes
• Payment scheduling
• Cash management coordination
• 1099 preparation support
• AP process improvement initiatives

Accounts Receivable Management

Manage client receivable operations:

• Customer invoicing
• Collections processes
• AR aging review
• Customer account reconciliation
• Cash receipt monitoring
• Collection strategy implementation
• Revenue cycle improvements

The Virtual Controller represents client businesses professionally during collection and customer communication activities.

Payroll & HR Management

Oversee payroll and HR administration activities, including:

• Payroll processing review
• Employee onboarding
• Employee offboarding
• Benefits administration
• Multi-state payroll compliance
• State payroll tax compliance
• HR policy administration
• Employee record maintenance
• Workers compensation administration
• Payroll system management

Virtual Controllers are expected to coordinate closely with payroll providers and internal HR support teams.

Cash Flow Management

Monitor and manage client cash flow operations:

• Cash flow forecasting
• Working capital analysis
• Weekly cash planning
• Liquidity monitoring
• Vendor payment timing
• Payroll cash planning
• Operational cash forecasting

Provide proactive recommendations to leadership teams regarding cash management and liquidity risks.

Cash flow management is a core Controller service offering within Compass CPA. where necessary.

Client Meetings

• Lead recurring client accounting meetings
• Present financial results and recommendations
• Coordinate action items with clients
• Follow up on outstanding issues
• Build trusted advisor relationships

Expected cadence:

• Monthly Controller meetings
• Additional meetings as required by client complexity

Internal ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership

• Manage and mentor Staff Accountants
• Review workpapers and reconciliations
• Train junior accounting team members
• Improve accounting workflows and quality standards
• Assist with onboarding new team members

Quality Control

• Review financial reports before delivery
• Ensure compliance with firm standards
• Maintain documentation requirements
• Monitor service quality across assigned clients

Systems & Process Improvement

• Evaluate client accounting systems
• Recommend operational improvements
• Assist with software implementations
• Improve workflow efficiencies
• Create and maintain SOPs

Compass Controller services include systems assessment, development, optimization, process improvement, AP processes, purchasing workflows, and operational systems reviews.

Compliance Coordination

• Support sales tax compliance
• Monitor business registrations and renewals
• Assist with audits and reviews
• Coordinate tax and accounting information requests
• Maintain compliance calendars

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with Tax Team
• Work closely with CFO Team
• Support Business Development Team
• Coordinate client onboarding and transitions
• Assist with special projects

Strategic Support Responsibilities

The Controller supports CFO engagements by assisting with:

• Budget creation and monitoring
• Budget-to-actual reporting
• Forecast preparation
• Cash flow forecasting
• Risk assessments
• KPI reporting
• Profitability analysis
• Department performance reporting
• Financial modeling support
• Growth planning initiatives

These activities support Compass CPA's CFO service model involving financial planning, forecasting, business analytics, profitability improvement, and strategic decision-making.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA preferred but not required

Experience

• 5 years accounting experience
• 2 years in Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Accountant role
• Experience managing month-end close
• Experience presenting financial information to business owners
• Experience managing multiple clients or business entities

Technical Skills

Strong experience with:

• QuickBooks Online
• Microsoft Excel
• Google Workspace
• Bill.com
• Gusto
• Financial reporting systems
• Payroll systems
• AP and AR platforms

Success Metrics

The Controller will be evaluated on:

• Accuracy of financial reporting
• Timeliness of month-end close
• Client satisfaction
• Retention of assigned clients
• Response times
• Team collaboration
• Process improvements implemented
• Quality control standards
• Portfolio profitability
• Achievement of client financial objectives



Why Join Compass CPA?

You'll become part of a firm that provides clients with an integrated accounting, finance, payroll, HR, tax, and advisory team under one roof. Our Controller role is designed for professionals who want to move beyond bookkeeping and become true business advisors while working directly with entrepreneurs and growing businesses. The Controller acts as a key member of the client's finance department and serves as a stepping stone toward future CFO responsibilities.

This position is intended for U.S.-based professionals who enjoy client interaction, financial leadership, and helping business owners make better decisions through accurate financial information and proactive guidance.