We are seeking a highly capable and forward-thinking Financial Controller to lead and elevate the firm's finance function. This role is best suited for a seasoned finance professional with strong experience in a professional services environment, particularly within US-based audit, accounting, or consulting firms.
The Controller will be responsible for overseeing core accounting operations while playing a critical role in enhancing financial systems, improving processes, and strengthening insight into engagement level performance. This is not a maintenance-focused role; we are looking for a strategic thinker and change agent who will modernize financial operations and help drive better decision-making across the firm.
Work Schedule: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday-Friday
Work Setup: Hybrid
JOB RESPONSBILITIES:
Financial Management & Reporting
- Oversee the full accounting cycle, including month-end and year-end close, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
- Prepare and review monthly management reports, financial statements and cash flow forecasts.
- Budget development and monitoring budget to actual.
- Provide clear financial insights to partners and leadership to support strategic decision making.
- Ensure compliance with US GAAP and firm-specific accounting policies. Professional Services & Engagement Accounting
- Lead and continuously improve processes related to Work in Progress (WIP), billing, realization, and engagement profitability.
- Monitor and analyze realization rates, write-ups/write-downs, and changeability across client engagements.
- Partner closely with audit and engagement leaders to ensure financial reporting aligns with operational performance.
- Develop and enhance reporting around utilization, margins, fee leakage, and engagement level KPIs.
Transactional Oversight
- Oversee day-to-day accounting functions, including: o Accounts Payable o Accounts Receivable o Payroll o Cash and treasury management
- Review AR aging, collections, and cash flow trends to support healthy working capital.
- Ensure appropriate internal controls and segregation of duties are maintained.
Systems, Process Improvement & Controls
- Take ownership of continuously improving and modernizing the finance function.
- Optimize and enhance the firm's current financial systems and tools, including: o QuickBooks Online o Practice CS o Bill.com o Wells Fargo banking platforms
- Identify opportunities for automation, improved system integration, and enhanced financial reporting.
- Strengthen policies, procedures, and documentation to support scalability and audit readiness.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of statutory requirements, tax filings, and audit support (in coordination with external advisors).
- Manage external audits and regulatory inquiries as needed.
- Maintain strong financial governance, controls, and risk management practices.
Leadership & Business Partnership
- Act as a trusted financial advisor to firm leadership and partners.
- Translate complex financial information into actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders.
- Provide guidance, coaching, and oversight to accounting staff or outsourced finance resources, as applicable.
Who we are looking for:
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or CA, required).
- 7–10+ years of progressive experience supporting US-based companies, ideally within a professional services, audit, accounting, or consulting firm.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with: o US GAAP o Engagement-based and WIP-driven revenue models o Realization and profitability analysis
- Proven experience working closely with US partners, principals, or firm leadership, with a solid understanding of US business, billing, and compliance expectations.
- Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks Online; experience with Practice CS and Bill.com is highly desirable.
- Track record of improving finance systems and processes, not simply maintaining existing workflows.
Key Competencies & Attributes
- Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Improvement-oriented mindset with a passion for process optimization and automation.
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, professional services environment.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non finance stakeholders.
- High integrity, ownership, and attention to detail—balanced with strategic perspective.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
- Clear, reliable insight into WIP, realization, and engagement profitability.
- A more efficient, scalable, and well-controlled finance function.
- Stronger financial reporting that actively supports partner and leadership decisions.
- Continuous improvement of systems and processes aligned with the firm's growth and complexity.
What's in it for you
- Competitive salary + non-taxable allowances
- Health & wellness benefits to keep you at your best
- Paid vacation and sick leave credits
- Yearly performance bonuses
- FREE meals on office days
- Parent-friendly office
- Training, certifications & CPD assistance
- PRC license renewal reimbursement
- Fun employee activities all year round
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