Controller, Vice President

Are you a high-performing financial leader ready to take the next big step in your career? A rapidly scaling, private equity–backed services organization headquartered in St. Louis is seeking a Controller / VP of Finance to lead accounting operations, elevate financial visibility, and partner closely with executive leadership during a time of significant transformation and expansion.This role is intentionally designed for a candidate who desires a path to CFO within 2–3 years.About the Opportunity This platform is experiencing tremendous momentum:A majority private equity investment has accelerated growth and M&A activityOperations span the U.S. and Canada, with significant integration underwayMultiple acquisitions are already in play, with 5–15 active targets at any given timeThe organization is modernizing systems, processes, and reporting capabilitiesEBITDA is expected to triple over the next several yearsThis is a rare opportunity to join a company at an inflection point, where a strong financial leader can have an immediate impact and grow quickly.🎯 Role OverviewThe Controller will serve as the hands-on leader of the accounting and reporting function, a key business partner to the CFO, and a strategic contributor to executive leadership. You will build scalable processes, improve financial rigor, support M&A activity, and shape the future finance organization. This role leads a ~10-person accounting and finance team and plays a central role in transforming the financial infrastructure of a rapidly expanding platform.📌 Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & Accounting LeadershipOwn the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.Lead a disciplined month-end close, ensuring consistency, GAAP compliance, and PE-level transparency.Strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and audit readiness.Standardize accounting across multiple entities (U.S. and Canada).Financial Planning, Forecasting & KPIsLead forecasting, budgeting, and rolling projections.Perform deep variance analysis; translate financial data into operational insight.Build performance dashboards and KPIs that improve visibility and accountability across the business.Operational Finance & Leadership PartnershipServe as a strategic partner to leaders in operations, commercial, billing, and corporate functions.Present financial insights to the CEO, CFO, and private equity partners.Provide decision support that drives efficiency, margin improvement, and growth.Private Equity Reporting & Value CreationProduce high-quality reporting packages, dashboards, and KPIs for the PE sponsor.Support lender reporting, covenant compliance, and working capital performance.Participate in value-creation initiatives and performance improvement planning.M&A & Post-Acquisition IntegrationSupport financial due diligence, modeling, and integration planning.Lead integration of acquired entities—systems, processes, financial reporting, controls, and analytics.Partner with leadership to identify synergies and prepare acquired teams for scale.Systems, Tools & ModernizationImprove ERP and BI tools; NetSuite/analytics experience is a plus (not required).Enhance financial automation, data integrity, and reporting capabilities.Team Leadership & Talent DevelopmentLead and develop a 10-person finance and accounting team.Mentor team members and cultivate a culture of ownership, accuracy, and continuous improvement.Redesign the team structure as the platform grows and scales.Cash, Treasury & Working Capital ManagementImprove cash forecasting, liquidity management, and treasury visibility.Oversee billing, collections, and cash cycle optimization.Strategic Leadership & CFO ReadinessAct as the CFO’s trusted partner and point of leverage.Participate in executive discussions, strategic initiatives, and long-term planning.Demonstrate readiness to step into broader responsibilities as business complexity increases.💡 The Ideal CandidateYou are:A rising finance leader who thrives in dynamic, high-growth environmentsStrong in both accounting fundamentals and business partnershipConfident, curious, and comfortable asking “why” to understand the drivers behind the numbersSkilled at both rolling up your sleeves and presenting to executives/investorsEntrepreneurial, collaborative, and motivated by building something scalableSomeone who wants to grow into a CFO role Preferred Experience:7–10+ years progressive accounting & finance experienceStrong GAAP, reporting, and internal controls foundationBlend of Controllership + FP&A experienceExperience in a private equity–backed or high-growth environmentExposure to M&A, due diligence, or post-acquisition integrationERP/BI exposure (NetSuite, Power BI, or similar)CPA and/or MBA preferred📍 Location RequirementsThis role requires regular in-office presence and collaboration.Candidates must be located in the St. Louis area or willing to relocate.