Controller & Director of Firm Operations at Smith Leonard PLLC

High Point, North Carolina, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

28 Oct, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Financial Management, Operational Leadership, Leadership, Communication, Organizational Skills, Integrity, Accountability, Software Solutions, Accounting Software, Practice Management Software, Audit Processes, Team Management, Collaboration, Technology Strategy, Process Improvement, Client Management

Industry

Accounting

Description

Description Our mission is to develop relationship-driven professionals who deliver an exceptional client experience and collaborate with each other, in a fun and rewarding environment. About Us Smith Leonard is a growth-minded, regional CPA firm with offices in High Point, Winston-Salem, Hickory, and Lexington, NC. We’ve discovered that public accounting is not a one-size fits all proposition. Different firms offer varying experiences, culture and work environment. Smith Leonard is proud to be a firm that offers an approachable, yet professional culture with great work/life balance, including remote or virtual options and 1/2 day Fridays in the summer. We are consistently rated one of the “Best Firms to Work For” by Accounting Today in their annual employee survey and have received nationwide distinction in 2024 as a "Best Firms for Young Accountants". We have also taken first place as a Best Place to Work in the Triad (Medium company size) for the last two years. Our team is empowered and energized by the autonomy of local decision-making and community impact, but our affiliation as a BDO Alliance firm gives us access to scalability and far superior technical resources than you would expect from a firm that can also provide top-notch local customer service. Our daily work benefits include flexible schedules and dress for your day every day. We offer a casual, approachable environment for our team while delivering professional-level service to our clients and community. Smith Leonard offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, an excellent learning environment, and an appreciation for work-life balance. The benefits package includes health insurance (one option is 100% employer paid!), dental, vision, disability, life insurance, paid parental leave, holiday and PTO pay, Thank You Days (floating holidays), Day of Service (company Volunteer Day), a wellness program with free health coaching and monthly lunch and learns, and 401K with a generous company contribution. Smith Leonard believes happy employees make happy clients, which is why we are so proud of the team we’ve built together. Position Summary: The Controller & Director of Firm Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the firm’s financial management while also leading and managing the administrative operations. This dual role combines strategic financial oversight with operational leadership, ensuring both the financial health of the firm and the efficient functioning of our internal teams. Reports to: Managing Partner Key Responsibilities: Financial Management (Controller Role): Oversee all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and cash management activities in conjunction with Managing Partner. Supervise all aspects of ‘back office” financial transactions of the firm such as billing, collections, banking, accounts payable, expense reimbursements and payroll. Complete Workers Compensation Audit. Manage Practice Management time and billing system along with IT Manager. Responsible for monthly closing of software and related reporting. Ensure compliance with state Board of Accountancy regulations, and other relevant regulatory requirements. Prepare and submit annual bench marking surveys. Coordinate annual professional liability and Cyber insurance applications and other business insurance as needed. Act as firm custodian of records and coordinate subpoenas with Partner and professional liability insurance carrier. Support partners with financial insights and decision-making. Work with third party administrator and HR on semi-monthly payroll processing. Operations & Administrative Management (Director of Firm Ops role): Lead and manage administrative staff who support multiple partners and departments. Oversee workflows, processes, and policies to optimize operational efficiency. Coordinate office administration, including technology, facilities, and vendor relationships. Ensure timely and accurate execution of client-facing administrative tasks, including engagement letters, financial statement delivery, and document management. Foster a collaborative, professional, and high-performing administrative team culture. Technology & Process Improvement: Research and evaluate software and technology solutions to improve firm efficiency and effectiveness. Serve as an active member of the firm’s IT committee, providing input on technology strategy and implementation. Lead or support technology-related projects, including system upgrades, integrations, and training. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred. CPA designation required; extensive accounting experience required. Proven experience in financial management and operational leadership, preferably in a CPA firm or similar professional firm environment. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. High levels of integrity – ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information. High levels of ownership and accountability. Experience researching, evaluating, and implementing software solutions. Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead teams, and work collaboratively with partners, other support roles such as HR, and staff. Proficiency with accounting and/or practice management software Familiarity with audit processes a plus. Physical Requirements: This position is primarily sedentary and involves extended periods of sitting and working at a computer. The role requires the ability to: Remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time. Operate a computer and other office equipment (such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and printer). Communicate effectively with team members and clients through written and verbal means. Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, or attend meetings. Exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (e.g., to lift or move files, binders, or small office equipment). Travel: Less than 5% An Equal Opportunity Employer: Smith Leonard is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.

Responsibilities

The Controller & Director of Firm Operations oversees the firm’s financial management and leads administrative operations. This role combines strategic financial oversight with operational leadership to ensure the firm's financial health and efficient functioning of internal teams.