Location: Multi-State (Remote with occasional travel to Houston Based day cares)
Office space will be assigned for use as needed. Will need to work in office at least 2 to 3 days a week.
Reports To: Owner / CEO/ VP
Type: Full-Time
We are seeking a highly disciplined, operationally focused Controller to oversee financial performance across 10 childcare centers located in multiple states, with plans to scale to 20 locations or more.
This is NOT a passive accounting role.
The Controller will serve as the financial backbone of the organization, working closely with ownership, outsourced bookkeeping/CPA, internal support staff.
Proven experience managing finances for multi-location operations (10+ locations)
Strong background in operational finance (not just accounting/bookkeeping)
Experience leading financial reviews with non-financial managers (e.g., Directors, GMs)
Demonstrated ability to hold teams accountable
Experience working with outsourced accounting teams and CPAs
Comfortable working in a high-accountability, performance-driven environment
1. Financial Oversight & Accuracy
Oversee all financial operations across 10+ locations
Review and validate financials prepared by outsourced bookkeeping team
Ensure:Accurate P&Ls by location
Proper expense categorization
Clean reconciliationsIdentify and correct inconsistencies or errors
2. Weekly Financial Reporting & KPI Management
Develop and maintain a weekly financial reporting system, including:Core KPIs:Enrollment vs capacityTuition billed vs collected (collection rate)
Labor % of revenueWeekly expenses vs budget
Cash flow position
Outstanding receivables
Center-level profitabilityProvide clear, actionable reports to ownership weekly
3. Center-Level Financial Accountability
Conduct weekly or bi-weekly financial reviews with Directors or Regional Leaders
Hold Directors accountable for:Labor management
Expense control
Tuition collection performanceIdentify underperforming locations and implement corrective action plans
4. Cash Flow & Financial Health Management
Monitor daily and weekly cash position
Forecast short-term and long-term cash needs
Identify financial risks earlyRecommend cost control or revenue improvement strategies
5. Expense Monitoring & Controls
Oversee financial activity tracking system (VA + Google Sheets + Monday.com)
Review flagged transactions:Missing receipts
Unusual expenses
Duplicate chargesEnsure financial discipline across all locations
6. Collaboration with CPA & External Partners
Serve as primary liaison with CPA
Provide clean, accurate financials for tax preparation
Support tax strategy discussionsEnsure timely and accurate filings
7. Team Leadership (Scaling Responsibility)
Oversee:Financial Activity Coordinator (VA)
Future internal bookkeepersTrain and manage team as organization grows
SUCCESS METRICS (KPIs FOR THIS ROLE)Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
Reduction in financial errors and discrepancies
Improved collection ratesControlled labor % across centers
Reduced unnecessary expensesImproved profitability by locationConsistent, high-quality financial insightsREQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE7+ years in accounting/finance, with Controller-level experience preferred
Proven experience with multi-location businesses
Strong understanding of:P&L management
Cash flow analysis
Budgeting & forecasting
Experience working with:QuickBooks or similar systems
Outsourced accounting firms
External CPAsAdvanced Excel / Google Sheets skills
PERSONAL TRAITS (CRITICAL FOR SUCCESS)Highly disciplined and detail-orientedStrong communicator (clear, direct, and professional)
Not afraid to challenge leadership or operations
Results-driven and accountable
Organized and process-focused
Proactive problem-solver
60-DAY PROBATIONARY PERIOD
This role includes a 60-day performance probation period.
During this period, the Controller must demonstrate:Clear understanding of financial systems and structure
Ability to identify key financial issues across centers
Establishment of weekly reporting cadence
Initial engagement with Directors and leadership team
Strong communication and follow-throughContinuation in the role is contingent upon successful performance during this period.