Controller in Phoenix, Arizona at MSS Business Transformation Advisory

We are seeking a hands-on Controller to serve as MSS Business Transformation Advisory’s finance leader. This person will own the integrity of our accounting function while also providing the forward-looking financial analysis leadership needs to make confident business decisions.

This is not a narrow, back-office accounting role. You will lead close and reporting, strengthen controls, develop meaningful forecasts, analyze profitability and cash flow, oversee key financial operations, and translate the numbers into practical recommendations. You will work closely with our President/CEO and Leadership Team, lead a small support team, and partner across the business.

The right person will be equally comfortable reviewing a reconciliation, improving a process, developing a forecast, and discussing financial implications with non-financial leaders. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and hands-on execution in a smaller, collaborative, employee-owned company.

What You’ll Do

• Own the general ledger and lead accurate, timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close, including reconciliations, journal entries, financial statements, management reporting, and audit-ready support.
• Lead annual budgeting and maintain rolling forecasts for revenue, expenses, profitability, cash flow, and other key business drivers using project, pipeline, and operating data.
• Analyze results, trends, risks, and opportunities and develop financial models and scenarios that inform pricing, staffing, investment, cost management, and profitability decisions.
• Translate financial information into clear, practical insights and recommendations for the President/CEO, Leadership Team, and other non-financial stakeholders.
• Manage cash position, liquidity, banking relationships, cash-flow planning, bank reconciliations, lines of credit, and appropriate cash and fraud-prevention controls.
• Provide oversight and accountability for billing, collections, accounts receivable, accounts payable, vendor payments, payroll accounting, and related controls while effectively delegating routine processing.
• Ensure billing and revenue processes appropriately reflect contract terms, purchase-order requirements, project data, reimbursable expenses, and applicable revenue-recognition requirements.
• Partner with external tax and accounting professionals on filings, year-end activities, tax planning, audits, and other financial requirements.
• Oversee 401(k) and ESOP administration and external-partner coordination while supervising a designated administrator who performs the recurring day-to-day work.
• Maintain corporate minutes and governance records and provide appropriate financial or administrative coordination for contracts, leases, vendors, insurance, compliance, and related matters.
• Coach and develop accounting and finance support staff, establish clear accountability, and build dependable, scalable ways of working.
• Continuously improve finance processes and reporting through better documentation, technology, automation, and thoughtful use of emerging tools, including AI where appropriate.

What You’ll Bring

• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including meaningful ownership of close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain forecasts, analyze business performance, develop practical financial models, and turn findings into recommendations.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong proficiency with financial systems and reporting tools.
• Experience leading, supervising, or mentoring accounting or finance staff.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, organization, and the ability to balance recurring deadlines with changing business needs.
• Clear, credible communication skills and the ability to make financial information understandable to non-financial leaders.
• The initiative and adaptability to operate as a hands-on leader in a small company where responsibilities may extend beyond traditional functional boundaries.
• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in professional services, management consulting, a project-based business, or a similar revenue-model environment.
• Experience with project accounting, project economics, utilization, revenue forecasting, or pipeline-to-revenue forecasting.
• Experience overseeing 401(k) and ESOP administration, financial reporting, valuation, or plan-sponsor responsibilities.
• CPA, CMA, MBA, or another relevant credential, valued but not required.
• A track record of improving manual processes and using technology, automation, or AI responsibly to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Location & Travel

• Remote position based in the Phoenix metro area.
• Periodic in-person attendance is required for company meetings, events, and other business activities in the Phoenix area.
• Travel is minimal and primarily local.

What Awaits You Here

• Join our purpose-driven team, dedicated to empowering our clients’ triumphs and accomplishments.
• Culture That Counts: Immerse yourself in an extraordinary company culture that is more than just work—it is a collaborative, vibrant community.
• Values in Action: Work alongside colleagues who are Accountable, Caring, Collaborative, Courageous, and Dedicated.
• Gain direct access to clients without the hassle of extensive travel commitments.
• Embrace Flexibility: Enjoy the comfort of remote work while staying connected through our Phoenix office, in-person meetings, and company events.
• Thrive in a Nurturing Environment: Work in an atmosphere that supports continuous growth in both professional and technical capabilities.
• Your Growth Matters: Invest in yourself through tuition reimbursement, coaching, training, certifications, and an array of continuous learning opportunities.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy peace of mind with 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• Time for You: Enjoy a generous 20 days of paid time off, complemented by 9 paid holidays.
• Financial Security: Build your future through our ESOP and 401(k) offerings.
• Give Back: Participate in volunteer opportunities that allow you to contribute to causes close to your heart.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MSSBTA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.