Contract Controller (8571)

Contract
Location
St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Controller

Position Summary: Our client is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function and oversee the preparation, accuracy, and integrity of GAAP-compliant financial statements. This role is ideal for a hands-on accounting leader with strong technical accounting expertise, experience managing the close process, and a proven ability to support audits, compliance, and organizational growth.
 
The Controller will partner closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure sound financial stewardship, implement accounting best practices, strengthen internal controls, and drive continuous process improvements. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional who thrives in dynamic environments, exercises strong judgment, and effectively leads accounting teams.
 
Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Financial Close Management
  • Own and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process.
  • Ensure timely, accurate, and complete financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
  • Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
  • Maintain and enforce a disciplined close calendar and reporting deadlines.
  • Oversee multi-entity accounting activities and intercompany transactions.
Technical Accounting & Financial Reporting
  • Serve as the primary authority on GAAP, accounting policies, and technical accounting matters.
  • Research, document, and implement accounting treatment for complex transactions including:
    • Mergers and acquisitions
    • Equity transactions
    • Intercompany activities
    • Lease accounting
    • Revenue recognition
  • Evaluate and prepare technical accounting position papers under GAAP and/or IFRS.
  • Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.
  • Lead implementation of new accounting standards and pronouncement transitions, including lease accounting, revenue recognition, CECL, and related standards.
  • Support public-company readiness initiatives and SEC reporting requirements when applicable.
Audit, Tax & Compliance
  • Lead all external audits, reviews, and examinations.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and tax advisors.
  • Manage audit planning, prepared-by-client (PBC) requests, issue resolution, and final deliverables.
  • Coordinate income tax, sales and use tax, payroll tax, and other compliance filings with external advisors.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulations, and company policies.
Internal Controls & Risk Management
  • Design, implement, and maintain effective internal controls.
  • Assess financial and operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Monitor control effectiveness and recommend enhancements.
  • Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
Systems & Process Improvement
  • Oversee the accounting system of record and related subledgers.
  • Ensure system configurations support GAAP compliance and scalable operations.
  • Partner with Finance, Operations, and IT teams to maintain data integrity and improve reporting capabilities.
  • Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
  • Evaluate, organize, summarize, and interpret accounting and operational data to support decision-making.
Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead and mentor accounting personnel, establishing clear expectations and accountability.
  • Review work products and provide coaching to support professional growth.
  • Develop and maintain effective staffing structures, responsibilities, and workflows.
  • Foster a collaborative team culture centered on communication, development, and continuous improvement.
  • Support technical accounting training and professional development initiatives.
Strategic Partnership & Communication
  • Partner with executive leadership on accounting implications of strategic initiatives.
  • Collaborate with FP&A, Operations, and other departments to ensure accurate financial reporting and data consistency.
  • Clearly communicate accounting conclusions, risks, and recommendations to leadership.
  • Build and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
 
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  • Active CPA license required.
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience.
  • Public accounting experience strongly preferred.
  • Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and technical accounting.
  • Demonstrated ownership of month-end close processes and external audits.
  • Experience with multi-entity and intercompany accounting.
  • ERP system experience (NetSuite preferred or equivalent platform).
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
  • Proven experience leading and developing accounting professionals.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Knowledge of tax compliance and reporting requirements.

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