Controller

The Controller is the firm’s lead internal accountant and a key operational leader. Reporting to the Director of Accounting, you’ll oversee the full accounting cycle, lead a small team, and drive process improvements that build scalable, efficient systems. This role ensures financial data is timely, accurate, and decision-ready in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $150,000

Location: Bethesda, MD

Essential Functions: 

1.      Own the general ledger, ensuring all activity is recorded accurately and timely

2.      Lead and continuously improve a timely, accurate monthly close (including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis)

3.      Deliver timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (accrual and cash basis) and actionable management reports for leadership and partners

4.      Maintain and refine chart of accounts and allocations to support meaningful reporting

5.      Partner with the Director of Accounting on implementing ERP and accounting platforms

6.      Identify and design workflows, controls, and integrations between systems to improve efficiency and data integrity

7.      Develop and document standard operating procedures for accounting processes and ensure consistent application across the team

8.      Identify opportunities to automate manual work, improve data quality, and enhance reporting

9.      Strengthen and monitor internal controls and ensure compliance with policies and procedures

10.  Oversee and reconcile multi-state payroll

11.  Ensure accurate accounting for benefits, retirement plans, bonuses, and payroll taxes

12.  Support preparation of compliance-related filings

13.  Maintain payroll-related schedules and ensure all entries tie to the GL

14.  Assist in the development of the annual budget and ongoing forecasts

15.  Prepare recurring and ad-hoc financial analyses, including partner and department-level reporting

16.  Provide insights into trends and operational metrics to support decision-making

17.  Lead and develop the accounting team, providing guidance on day-to-day questions and supporting process improvements to ensure accuracy and efficiency

18.  Collaborate with departments across the org (HR, Operations, Firm Leadership) to ensure alignment and process improvement

19.  Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field (required).
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 5-10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory roles.
• Strong background in general ledger, payroll, and month end close for both cash and accrual basis accounting.

• Extensive experience managing multi-state payroll and related compliance, with familiarity in payroll systems and integrations (e.g., ADP, Paychex).
• Strong understanding of billing cycles, WIP accounting, and revenue recognition in a professional services environment.
• Experience with AP automation and payment platforms such as Bill.com.
• Proven success in leading accounting teams and implementing systems.
• Solid working knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (QuickBooks Online; Sage Intacct experience a plus).
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to dig into details while keeping a firm-level perspective.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively across departments.
• Prior experience in a professional services organization a plus.

Demonstrated Skill and Ability Requirements: 

• Thrives on building and improving systems, not just maintaining them.
• Hands-on and detail-oriented, yet able to step back and see the big picture.
• Communicates clearly and proactively.
• Balances urgency with accuracy, and can set priorities in a busy, deadline-driven environment.
• Takes ownership, asks the right questions, and drives solutions proactively.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Collaborative and team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills.

Benefits

This is a full-time position. Our office is located two blocks from the Bethesda Metro Station (red line). We offer a competitive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with profit sharing, employer-supported medical coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, student loan repayment, generous PTO, and a culture that fosters flexibility and career development. We look forward to hearing from you!

GRF CPAs & Advisors is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. At GRF CPAs and Advisors, we cultivate an inclusive business environment where all employees are valued for their unique contributions to our mission to provide exceptional financial, tax and consulting services to our clients in the US and around the world.