Controller

Universal Bookkeeper is looking for a CPA to lead our Controllership clients and help develop our growing team. You'll work closely with owners, executive directors, and boards, at a firm built on real relationships and a balanced pace, even in tax season. This is an in-office position with occasional remote flexibility located in the beautiful village of New Hartford, New York.

The Opportunity

This role sits at the center of how we serve clients. When a nonprofit is deciding whether it can afford a new program, or a growing business is weighing its next hire, you'll be the one helping them find a clear answer and understand what the numbers really mean.

You'll also help shape where the firm goes next. As we grow, our Controllers guide how we develop our Senior and Staff Accountants, strengthen our tax review, and build relationships in the community. It's a role with real influence, at a firm small enough that your ideas are heard.

What You'll Do

•     Lead weekly or monthly meetings with Controllership clients, and present financial results to nonprofit finance committees and boards of directors.

•     Turn the numbers into clear takeaways: what we're seeing, why it matters, the risks, and the options.

•     Perform final review and sign-off on individual, business, PTET, and multi-state returns, plus Form 990s for nonprofit clients.

•     Share advisement with the Senior Accountants who lead selected clients, and coach them as they grow.

•     Help shape how we develop out team, from training plans for new accountants to leading team trainings.

•     Oversee audit preparation and serve as our lead contact with auditors.

•     Represent the firm at community and networking events, and help recruit future team members, including at local colleges.

What You Bring

Required:

•     Active CPA license and a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.

•     Six or more years of accounting experience, including month-end close, financial reporting, and client advisory work.

•     Experience reviewing individual, business, PTET, and multi-state tax returns.

•     Three or more years of experience leading or mentoring other accountants, including giving direct feedback.

•     Comfort presenting financial results to owners, boards, and leadership.

Nice to have:

•     Nonprofit accounting experience, such as fund accounting, grant reporting, and Form 990s.

•     Experience in outsourced accounting, fractional CFO, or client advisory services.

•     Familiarity with QuickBooks Online, Karbon, Gusto, Bill.com, or ProConnect, and curiosity about using AI and new tools well.

What It's Like Here

Small team. Real relationships. A balanced pace. We're an owner-led firm of eight in New Hartford, built on shared core values and what we call unreasonable hospitality: noticing the little things and going beyond what clients expect.

What We Offer

•     Salary: $110,000 to $140,000, based on experience

•     Paid time off: generous leave, 8 paid holidays, and bereavement leave

•     Health benefits: 75% employer-paid premium for individual coverage

•     401(k): available after one year

•     Professional development: CPE support, tuition reimbursement, and relevant conferences and training events

•     Schedule: Monday through Friday, typically starting at 7:30 a.m., with core client hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and flexibility when life comes up

How to apply

Apply through our employment form at universalbookkeeper.com/apply. You'll be asked to share:

1.    Your resume

2.    A cover letter that tells us what draws you to this role and how leading clients and a team has prepared you for it

3.    A short video, two minutes or less, recorded on your phone or a tool like Loom, introducing yourself and why you'd like to join our team

The form also asks a few questions to help us get to know you.