Controller - PE-Backed - Advertising/Tech Co.

We are partnering with a high-growth, private equity–backed digital media platform operating at national scale. The business has established a strong market presence, delivering premium, data-driven advertising solutions across a distributed physical network. The company is entering its next phase of growth and transformation, with a focus on scalability, operational efficiency, and technology-enabled finance infrastructure. This is a highly visible role with direct exposure to executive leadership and investors.

The Controller will lead and modernize the controllership function, evolving it into a best-in-class, tech-enabled finance operation. This is not a traditional accounting role—it is designed for a leader who can drive transformation, leverage automation/AI, and architect scalable delivery models. You will partner closely with the CFO and leadership team to enhance reporting, improve working capital dynamics, and support strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Controllership & Financial Operations

• Lead all accounting operations including close, consolidation, and financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and maintain strong internal controls
• Drive audit readiness in a private equity-backed environment

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Own liquidity planning, including a rolling 13-week cash forecast
• Optimize receivables, billing cycles, and vendor payment strategies
• Partner cross-functionally to align cash management with operational priorities

Transformation & Operating Model Design

• Build a modern controllership function leveraging automation, AI, and outsourcing
• Streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and accelerate close timelines
• Evaluate and implement scalable finance technologies

Executive Reporting & Business Partnership

• Deliver clear, decision-ready financial insights to executives and investors
• Partner with FP&A to align reporting across actuals, forecasts, and KPIs
• Translate complex financial data into actionable business insights

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing accounting team
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CFO on value creation initiatives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Revenue, Operations, Technology, and Legal on:
• Revenue recognition
• Billing structures
• Contracting and new business models
• Support M&A diligence and integration as needed

What Success Looks Like

• A streamlined, scalable, tech-enabled accounting function
• Faster close cycles with improved reporting quality
• Strong, trusted financial insights for leadership and investors
• A modern finance team positioned to scale with the business

Qualifications:

Required

• Experience building or optimizing outsourced, automated, or tech-enabled finance functions
• Strong understanding of automation, data, and AI applications in accounting
• Background in private equity-backed or high-growth environments
• High intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and problem-solving capability

Preferred

• Experience with client billing / revenue cycle environments (e.g., media, agency, services)
• Exposure to digital, media, or technology-enabled business models
• Experience with complex revenue streams and finance transformation initiatives

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
• CPA or equivalent preferred
• 10 years of progressive accounting/controllership experience