Fractional Controller

The Fractional Controller will provide seasoned financial leadership, guide process improvements, and bring structure to a growing studio environment. This is a strategic, hands-on role suited for someone who excels in transitional environments, enjoys optimizing workflows, and can balance both day-to-day oversight and long-term vision.

This role is ideal for someone who appreciates working in a creative industry-gaming, entertainment, or production experience is helpful but not required.

The Controller will work closely with senior leadership, support a newly hired Director of Production Accounting and her team, collaborate with the separate Treasury Department, and help bridge communication across departments.
Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Oversight

• Lead the month-end close process and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Establish, improve, and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and financial processes.
• Strengthen workflows around expense management, labor tracking (W2, 1099, contractors), and cost flow to support production and studio operations.
• Provide oversight and guidance to the accounting function (Director of Production Accounting + 3-person team), though this role has no direct reports.

Strategic Financial Guidance

• Work closely with the COO and leadership team to analyze financial trends and identify future hurdles or milestones.
• Support forecasting, planning, and scenario analysis to help leadership anticipate challenges "over the horizon."
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CFO, who is transitioning into a less day-to-day and more treasury-focused role.

Process & Systems Improvements

• Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements that enhance accuracy, scalability, and efficiency.
• Bridge the gap between the Treasury department and Tax, ensuring streamlined communication and clear workflows.
• Serve as a confident voice for improvement-comfortable speaking up and driving better practices.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with production and operational teams, including employees located out of state and internationally.
• Offer guidance and mentorship to the accounting team as the company grows.
• Help foster financial discipline in a creative environment while respecting the studio's culture and workflow.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong accounting fundamentals, including internal controls, month-end close, and financial reporting.
• Expertise with Quick Books Desktop.
• Experience leading or supporting transitions (systems, processes, organizational).
• Ability to confidently voice recommendations and champion improvements.
• Experience working with production-oriented teams or distributed work forces.

Preferred

• 10+ years of relevant accounting or controllership experience ( flexible based on candidate strength ).
• Experience in gaming, entertainment, production, or other creative industries (helpful but not required).
• Background supporting scaling companies or building accounting processes from the ground up.

Top Candidate Attributes

• Able to bridge Treasury and Tax functions with clarity and structure.
• Not afraid to speak up and influence meaningful process change.
• Strong communicator who thrives in collaborative, creative environments.
• Forward-looking thinker who can anticipate challenges and identify critical milestones.
• Brings calm confidence, wisdom, and long-term partnership to a growing team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.