Controller – Build & Scale Accounting Infrastructure

About the role

American Operator, a holding company with a fast‑growing portfolio of industrial and service SMBs, is looking for an entrepreneurial Controller. You will design and implement a best‑in‑class accounting function that supports acquisitions, consolidates portfolio companies, and provides actionable financial insights.

Key responsibilities

• Design and build a standardized accounting infrastructure across the portfolio, emphasizing modern tooling and AI‑enablement.
• Lead integration of newly acquired businesses, including opening balance sheet preparation, goodwill treatment, chart‑of‑accounts mapping, reporting standardization, and system migrations.
• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for multiple operating companies, handling GL processes, reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Prepare and deliver consolidated financial statements, lender reporting packages, executive dashboards, and board‑level materials.
• Manage external resources such as accounting firms, auditors, tax advisors, and compliance partners to ensure accurate reporting and audit readiness.
• Support tax compliance for various entity structures (LLCs, S‑Corps, pass‑through entities) across multiple states.

Required profile

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Director of Accounting, or similar leadership role.
• Extensive experience in multi‑entity environments, consolidated reporting, and intercompany accounting, preferably in a roll‑up or holding‑company setting.
• Proven track record supporting acquisitive business models, including purchase‑price allocation, tax optimization, and opening balance sheets.
• Demonstrated success implementing or improving accounting systems, ERP migrations, and standardized chart‑of‑accounts.

Required skills

• ERP migrations
• Chart‑of‑accounts design and mapping
• Financial consolidation and reporting
• Modern accounting tooling and AI‑enablement