Our California based client has over 15 years of experience as a leading full-service podcast advertising agency, delivering successful campaigns for both direct response and branding clients. They understand the power of podcasts with access to all major podcast networks and independent shows and have a proven track record of growing revenue for advertisers across industries. As they continue to expand in this dynamic space, we are partnering with them to add a hands-on Controller to lead financial operations and strategy during a pivotal period of growth and change.

About the Role:
This remote Controller position is critical for their next stage of growth. You will lead the Company’s finance and accounting function from top to bottom, ensuring they build a robust financial foundation for the future. In this role, you will also:

• Lead and streamline all accounting operations – Assess and improve the accounting processes so all financial data is accurate and contained within the Sage accounting system. Manage the elimination of all manual offline workflows to ensure all tools (like Sage) are leveraged to the fullest.
• Train and develop the accounting team – Guide a small accounting team by educating them on best practices and the systems. You’ll mentor and upskill the team, transitioning them into a more efficient, tech-savvy workflow.
• Collaborate with ownership and executives – Report directly to the company’s owner and partner with the leadership team, providing transparency into the numbers and integrating financial insights into broader business strategy. You’ll be a strategic partner at the decision-making table, linking finance with our overall goals.
• Break down silos and drive cross-department collaboration – Champion a culture of teamwork where finance is integrated with all departments. By fostering open communication and trust, you will help ensure that financial considerations are part of every key business decision. This includes having direct, honest conversations with stakeholders and aligning everyone toward common goals.
• Ensure financial integrity and insight – Oversee budgeting, reporting, and controls to maintain accurate financials. You’ll analyze data, identify inefficiencies or missing information, and implement solutions that improve profitability and operational efficiency. In short, you’ll turn financial data into strategic insight.

Required Qualifications:

• Accounting Expertise: Extensive knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Process Improvement: Proven experience optimizing accounting systems and processes, with an analytical eye for identifying inaccuracies and inefficiencies (and fixing them).
• Leadership & Team Development: Strong background in leading finance/accounting teams and training staff.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to lead through change and work across departments to break down silos, ensuring finance is integrated into all aspects of the business. Demonstrated change management skills in guiding teams through new systems or process transformations.
• Communication & Executive Presence: Excellent communication skills with the confidence to engage in direct, transparent conversations with ownership and other executives. Able to build trust and align stakeholders around financial goals.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications:

• Software Proficiency: Experience with Sage accounting software and Paylocity payroll processing (highly preferred).
• Industry Experience: Background in an advertising agency or media-buying environment, with understanding of podcast/digital advertising revenue models.
• Automation & Systems: Familiarity with accounts receivable/payable automation tools (e.g., PayFabric or MineralTree) and integrating accounting systems with third-party solutions. Experience leveraging process automation or AI tools to streamline finance tasks is a plus.
• Strategic Finance Exposure: Experience with M&A scenarios or investor relations reporting is a bonus (e.g., preparing financials for potential investors or acquisitions).
• Certification: CPA or CMA certification is a plus (not required).

If you’re a hands-on, strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment, passionate about building strong financial foundations that support business growth, and comfortable rolling up your sleeves to drive change, please email your resume to Jennie at jscheel@cfos3.com.

 

Compensation: $80,000-85,000