Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

We are working with a boutique experiential advertising agency that creates immersive brand experiences, live events, and strategic activations for national and emerging brands. They are looking to hire a full time Controller. Details below:

The Controller is a hands‑on financial leader responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, and internal controls. This role requires someone who thrives in a project‑based, deadline‑driven environment and understands the financial nuances of agency operations — including event production, vendor management, and client billing.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and detail‑oriented, capable of building scalable processes while managing daily accounting activities.

• Oversee all accounting functions (GL, AP/AR, payroll, revenue recognition).
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage month‑end and year‑end close processes.
• Develop cash flow forecasts and monitor working capital.
• Lead annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support leadership decision‑making.
• Monitor project profitability, job costing, and margin analysis.
• Partner with Account and Production teams to track budgets vs. actuals.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition for experiential/event‑based projects.
• Manage client billing schedules and ensure timely collections.
• Oversee vendor payments and contract compliance.

• Maintain strong internal controls and financial procedures.
• Coordinate with external CPA for tax preparation and audits.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage insurance, licensing, and contractual financial requirements.

• Improve financial systems, reporting tools, and workflows.
• Implement scalable accounting processes to support agency growth.
• Support leadership with strategic planning and growth initiatives.
• Evaluate financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience; agency or project‑based business experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of job costing, percentage‑of‑completion revenue recognition, and event production budgeting.
• Experience with accounting software (Quick Books, Net Suite, or similar ERP systems).
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a small‑team environment.