Controller

Role Summary

Northstar Financial Advisory is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead client accounting engagements, and teams, ensure technical accuracy, and deliver high-quality financial reporting. This role will own the end-to-end accounting function for a portfolio of clients, operating independently while also leading and mentoring a team.

The Controller will be responsible for managing full-cycle accounting, navigating incomplete or disorganized client data, and delivering clean, reliable financials. This role requires someone comfortable working in ambiguity, investigating issues, and driving solutions without constant oversight.

Core Responsibilities

• Own and manage full-cycle accounting for multiple clients, including GL, AP, AR, payroll, and bank reconciliations
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness
• Prepare and review financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) for client delivery
• Serve as the primary accounting contact for clients, providing guidance and resolving issues proactively
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, working with incomplete or inconsistent data sets
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Oversee invoicing, collections, and cash flow management across client accounts
• Build, document, and enforce accounting processes, checklists, and internal controls
• Coordinate with external CPAs, tax advisors, and auditors as needed
• Lead, train, and mentor accounting staff; review work and ensure quality standards
• Support system implementations and integrations (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, Shopify, Cin7, payment platforms)
• Partner with leadership to provide financial insights and improve client outcomes

Technical Skills Required

• Strong command of US GAAP and full-cycle accounting
• Proven experience managing month-end close and financial reporting across multiple entities
• Advanced reconciliation and problem-solving skills, especially in environments with incomplete data
• Ability to analyze financials, identify issues, and implement corrective actions
• Strong experience with accounting systems (QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar ERPs)
• Experience with multi-entity and multi-state accounting environments
• Strong Excel skills (reconciliations, data analysis, supporting schedules)
• Ability to build and improve processes, controls, and reporting frameworks

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities
• Experience managing client-facing accounting engagements (outsourced accounting or similar)
• Proven ability to work independently and take full ownership of deliverables
• Strong communication skills and ability to manage client relationships directly
• High attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Preferred

• CPA or progress toward certification
• Experience in fast-growing, service-based, or multi-client environments
• Experience with system integrations and process optimization
• Background working with eCommerce, inventory, or complex operational clients

Compensation

Base salary range: $110,000 to $150,000

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance, with options for fully paid employee-only coverage for health & dental
• Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Supplemental life insurance and short-term disability options
• Classic Safe Harbor 401(k) plan with employer contributions
• Professional development resources, including Becker and LinkedIn Learning

Crete Professionals Alliance is an equal opportunity employer, considering all applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Crete Professionals Alliance (“Crete PA”) is not a licensed CPA firm. Its subsidiary entities, which are not licensed CPA firms, provide tax, advisory, and other non-attest services to clients. Crete PA Network Firms practice in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Crete PA does not provide services to clients.

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