[Hiring] Client Controller @Whittle Strategic Accounting

Role Description

As our clients' trusted financial partners, we cultivate strong relationships built on trust, responsiveness, and excellence. Our Client Controllers play a critical role in those relationships by helping clients understand not only what their financial results are, but what those results mean for their organizations.

The Client Controller serves as the bridge between our Client Service Managers (CSMs), who support the day-to-day accounting function, and our Client CFOs, who provide higher-level strategic financial guidance. This role combines technical accounting expertise, financial analysis, and frequent client interaction. The right person enjoys:

• Digging into the numbers
• Identifying trends and issues
• Communicating directly with clients
• Tackling a variety of projects beyond the monthly close

With opportunities to expand your skills and take on leadership roles, your potential is limitless. We're committed to helping you realize more than you think is possible in your career.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in public accounting, client accounting/advisory services, or a comparable multi-client accounting environment.
• Expert-level QuickBooks Online knowledge, including experience with integrations and connected applications; QuickBooks Online certification preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with detailed budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and presenting financial results to clients.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong proficiency with cloud-based accounting and business technology, including the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems.
• Experience managing multiple client engagements and competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Experience successfully working in a remote environment with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated experience managing client relationships.
• Working knowledge of tax matters relevant to client accounting and financial reporting.
• Nonprofit accounting and audit experience preferred.

Requirements

• Review monthly close work and financial statements prepared by Client Service Managers to ensure timely, accurate, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Provide technical guidance, review feedback, and mentorship to Client Service Managers to strengthen accounting knowledge, improve the quality of client work, and support their continued professional development.
• Analyze financial results to identify trends, variances, unusual activity, risks, and opportunities, translating findings into meaningful insights for clients and Client CFOs.
• Build strong, high-touch client relationships through frequent, proactive communication and serve as a trusted financial partner who understands each client's operations, priorities, and financial needs.
• Review and present financial statements to clients in a clear and meaningful manner, helping clients understand their financial results and what those results mean for their organization.
• Lead the development of detailed client budgets and forecasts and support ongoing forecasting, cash flow analysis, and financial planning.
• Manage priorities, deadlines, and deliverables across multiple client engagements while maintaining responsiveness, accuracy, and a high level of client service.
• Support client onboarding, including establishing accounting processes, coordinating systems and QuickBooks Online integrations, and training clients on processes and technology.
• Collaborate with Client CFOs on financial analysis, planning initiatives, grant reporting, cash flow projects, and other client-specific projects, bringing flexibility and a problem-solving mindset to changing client needs.
• Support consistent and effective client service by identifying opportunities for process improvement, coordinating with external tax providers and auditors as needed, monitoring engagement scope, and supporting firmwide accounting processes.

Benefits

• Remote work environment
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance
• Short/long term disability coverage
• 401k plan with up to a 4% match
• Wellness stipend to support your health journey
• Generous PTO to recharge and refresh
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Annual team retreats to foster camaraderie and innovation
• A supportive team that values collaboration and professional engagement
• And much more!

Company Description

At Whittle Strategic Accounting, we believe in more than just numbers. We are a dynamic, collaborative team providing accounting and financial management services to a diverse group of clients, with a strong concentration in the nonprofit sector. We provide concierge-level support across the financial function, helping our clients strengthen their financial operations so that they can make informed decisions with confidence.

Our team is small and mighty, and we pride ourselves on working together to achieve excellence. We value every team member's input and foster an environment where you can express your ideas and grow professionally.