Contract Controller in St. Louis, Missouri at EBS Recruiters LLC

Our client is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function and oversee the preparation, accuracy, and integrity of GAAP-compliant financial statements. This role is ideal for a hands-on accounting leader with strong technical accounting expertise, experience managing the close process, and a proven ability to support audits, compliance, and organizational growth.

The Controller will partner closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure sound financial stewardship, implement accounting best practices, strengthen internal controls, and drive continuous process improvements. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional who thrives in dynamic environments, exercises strong judgment, and effectively leads accounting teams.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Close Management

• Own and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and complete financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain and enforce a disciplined close calendar and reporting deadlines.
• Oversee multi-entity accounting activities and intercompany transactions.

Technical Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Serve as the primary authority on GAAP, accounting policies, and technical accounting matters.
• Research, document, and implement accounting treatment for complex transactions including:
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Equity transactions
  • Intercompany activities
  • Lease accounting
  • Revenue recognition
• Evaluate and prepare technical accounting position papers under GAAP and/or IFRS.
• Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Lead implementation of new accounting standards and pronouncement transitions, including lease accounting, revenue recognition, CECL, and related standards.
• Support public-company readiness initiatives and SEC reporting requirements when applicable.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Lead all external audits, reviews, and examinations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and tax advisors.
• Manage audit planning, prepared-by-client (PBC) requests, issue resolution, and final deliverables.
• Coordinate income tax, sales and use tax, payroll tax, and other compliance filings with external advisors.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulations, and company policies.

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Design, implement, and maintain effective internal controls.
• Assess financial and operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor control effectiveness and recommend enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee the accounting system of record and related subledgers.
• Ensure system configurations support GAAP compliance and scalable operations.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, and IT teams to maintain data integrity and improve reporting capabilities.
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
• Evaluate, organize, summarize, and interpret accounting and operational data to support decision-making.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor accounting personnel, establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Review work products and provide coaching to support professional growth.
• Develop and maintain effective staffing structures, responsibilities, and workflows.
• Foster a collaborative team culture centered on communication, development, and continuous improvement.
• Support technical accounting training and professional development initiatives.

Strategic Partnership & Communication

• Partner with executive leadership on accounting implications of strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with FP&A, Operations, and other departments to ensure accurate financial reporting and data consistency.
• Clearly communicate accounting conclusions, risks, and recommendations to leadership.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Active CPA license required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and technical accounting.
• Demonstrated ownership of month-end close processes and external audits.
• Experience with multi-entity and intercompany accounting.
• ERP system experience (NetSuite preferred or equivalent platform).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Proven experience leading and developing accounting professionals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of tax compliance and reporting requirements.