Role Overview for VP, Corporate Controller with a Public FinServ Firm – Boston, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly traded financial services firm in their search for a dynamic and strategic Vice President, Corporate Controller. Based in the heart of Boston’s vibrant financial district, this is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned accounting leader to take the helm of the corporate accounting function and drive financial excellence across a complex, high-growth organization.
The VP, Corporate Controller will serve as a key member of the finance leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). You will be the organization’s principal accounting officer, responsible for the integrity of all financial information, regulatory reporting, and the internal control environment. This role demands a leader who is not only technically proficient in complex accounting and SEC regulations but also a strategic business partner capable of providing critical insights to support executive decision-making. You will lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of accounting professionals, fostering a culture of accuracy, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of success from a publicly traded company, ideally within the financial services industry, and will be instrumental in scaling the accounting operations to support the company’s ambitious growth trajectory.
This position is more than just closing the books; it’s about shaping the financial future of a market leader. You will be a trusted advisor to the CFO and the executive team, ensuring the company navigates the complexities of public company compliance with confidence and precision. If you are a transformative leader with a passion for building robust financial frameworks and a desire to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Controller with a Public FinServ Firm – Boston, MA
The VP, Corporate Controller will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing all aspects of accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance. Your leadership will be critical in ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial data that underpins the company’s strategic initiatives.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, manage, and mentor a global accounting team, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll functions.
- Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous professional development within the accounting department.
- Set departmental goals and objectives that align with the broader finance and corporate strategy.
- Optimize the organizational structure of the accounting team to effectively support the company’s growth and operational needs.
- Act as a key leader within the finance organization, promoting collaboration with FP&A, Treasury, Tax, and Investor Relations teams.
SEC Reporting & Financial Compliance
- Oversee the entire external reporting process, including the accurate and timely filing of all SEC documents (Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, etc.).
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing the quarterly reviews and annual audit process to ensure a smooth and efficient engagement.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, including U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and stay abreast of new pronouncements and their potential impact on the company.
- Manage the preparation of financial materials for the Audit Committee, Board of Directors meetings, and investor presentations.
Internal Controls & SOX Compliance
- Own and maintain a robust internal control environment in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
- Continuously evaluate, design, and implement enhancements to financial processes and internal controls to mitigate risk and improve efficiency.
- Lead the company’s SOX 404 compliance program, including risk assessment, control documentation, testing, and remediation efforts.
- Coordinate with internal audit and external consultants on all SOX-related matters.
Accounting Operations & Technical Accounting
- Direct the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to internal policies.
- Provide expert guidance on complex technical accounting issues, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), lease accounting (ASC 842), stock-based compensation (ASC 718), and business combinations.
- Draft and maintain corporate accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance across the organization.
- Oversee critical accounting functions such as cash management, treasury operations, and coordination of global tax compliance with the Head of Tax.
Process Improvement & Systems Integration
- Identify and implement opportunities for process automation and efficiency improvements within the accounting and reporting cycles.
- Lead initiatives to enhance and optimize the use of the company’s ERP system and other financial software.
- Partner with the IT department on financial system implementations, upgrades, and integrations to ensure data integrity and operational effectiveness.
- Support M&A activities by leading financial due diligence and overseeing the integration of acquired entities’ accounting processes and systems.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Controller with a Public FinServ Firm – Boston, MA
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished track record of accounting leadership within a sophisticated, public company environment. The following qualifications are essential for success in this role:
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is mandatory.
- An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Controller, Assistant Controller, or Director of Accounting).
- Significant experience within a publicly traded company is an absolute requirement, with deep expertise in SEC reporting and SOX compliance.
- A combination of public accounting experience (preferably with a ‘Big 4’ firm) and corporate industry experience is strongly desired.
- Direct experience in the financial services industry (e.g., asset management, banking, insurance, fintech) is highly advantageous.
- Demonstrated experience in leading and developing large, high-performing accounting teams.
- Proven track record of driving process improvements and leading system implementation projects.
Skills & Competencies
- Expert-level knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and SOX 404 requirements.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus with stakeholders at all levels, including the executive team and Board of Directors.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
- Impeccable attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and financial integrity.
- High proficiency with major ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, NetSuite) and financial reporting tools.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high-pressure environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Incentives
Meaningful long-term incentives, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs), to align your success with the company’s growth.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to employee development, with opportunities for continuing education, professional certifications, and conference attendance.
Wellness Programs
Company-sponsored wellness initiatives, including gym memberships and mental health resources.
Additional Perks
Commuter benefits, life and disability insurance, and employee assistance programs.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We are looking for a leader who is ready to make a lasting impact. If you meet the criteria outlined above and are excited by the challenge, we encourage you to apply promptly.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the finance and accounting sectors. To learn more about our expertise and explore other opportunities, please visit the JRG Partners’ Accounting & Finance practice page. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. We look forward to reviewing your application.
