We are looking for an experienced Controller to provide hands-on financial leadership for a client in Memphis. This role is fully onsite and will guide core accounting operations, support fiscal year-end activities, and strengthen reporting and control practices during an interim period. The ideal candidate brings strong technical accounting knowledge, sound leadership skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
• Lead the monthly close process from start to finish, ensuring the general ledger is accurate, complete, and finalized on schedule.
• Support fiscal year-end activities, including close coordination, review of accounting entries, and preparation for year-end reporting requirements.
• Examine and approve journal entries while maintaining high standards for accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Perform and oversee balance sheet reconciliations, resolving discrepancies and improving the reliability of financial data.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports for leadership review.
• Build and enhance internal control procedures and develop practical accounting frameworks that support operational discipline.
• Create and formalize standard operating procedures across accounting, payroll, accounts payable, cash handling, and reconciliation processes.
• Drive audit readiness efforts and serve as the primary coordinator for external audit activities and information requests.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to the accounting team, including oversight of one senior accountant and two staff accountants.
• Act as a financial liaison with the City of Memphis and the organization’s board, delivering clear updates and responsive communication.
• Demonstrated experience serving in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role with responsibility for close, reporting, and general ledger management.
• Strong background in month-end and year-end close processes, including financial statement preparation and journal entry review.
• Proven knowledge of balance sheet reconciliations, internal controls, and audit support within a complex finance environment.
• Experience developing procedures and documentation for core finance functions such as payroll, accounts payable, and cash controls.
• Leadership capability with experience directing accounting staff and maintaining accountability across the team.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with executives, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems.
• Municipal or public sector accounting experience is preferred