Controller, Finance & Banking, Accounting Manager

This is a private equity–backed payments and fintech organization that provides payment processing services to small and medium-sized businesses across the United States.

The organization partners with financial institutions and ranks among the largest non-bank payment processors in the U.S., combining advanced payment technology with a strong, relationship-driven service model.

The Controller will step into a highly visible leadership role during a period of transition within the accounting organization. This role assumes full controller responsibilities and will be responsible for stabilizing, transforming, and strengthening the accounting function.

The position requires a hands‑on, people‑first leader who can operate independently while serving as a strategic partner to executive leadership, private equity sponsors, lenders, and the board. The role oversees Accounting and Merchant Accounting teams and may involve improving controls, strengthening cross‑functional communication, and ensuring timely, accurate financial reporting in a complex, transaction‑heavy payments environment.

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, and month‑end close.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes across multiple legal entities.
• Prepare and review financial statements and supporting schedules in accordance with US GAAP.
• Own revenue recognition in a payments and merchant acquiring environment (ASC 606).
• Manage technical accounting areas including lease accounting (ASC 842), equity compensation, and consolidations.
• Establish, enhance, and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate and support annual audits, regulatory examinations, and external reporting requirements.
• Oversee cash management, settlement activity, intercompany accounting, and balance sheet accounts.
• Partner closely with the CFO on complex accounting matters, M&A activity, pricing decisions, and system implementations.
• Serve as a strategic finance partner to executive leadership with high executive visibility.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff using a strong player‑coach approach.
• Drive continuous improvement of accounting processes, systems, and controls.
• Translate accounting data into insights that support broader business strategy and decision‑making.

• CPA license required.
• 7+ years of experience as a controller or senior finance leader in the payments, fintech, or merchant acquiring industries.
• Deep understanding of merchant acquiring, interchange, residual payouts, split revenue models, sub‑merchant onboarding, and agent/ISO/ISV partnerships.
• Proven experience owning multi‑entity close processes and leading successful annual audits.
• Strong technical accounting expertise under US GAAP.
• Hands‑on experience with revenue recognition (ASC 606), lease accounting (ASC 842), equity compensation, and consolidations.
• Experience building, improving, and enforcing internal controls.
• Experience leveraging modern accounting systems (e.g., Net Suite, Flo Qast, Ramp)
• Strong communication skills and executive presence.
• Ability to operate independently while partnering strategically with senior leadership.
• Demonstrated success transforming and stabilizing accounting organizations.

• Big 4 or national public accounting firm background.
• Experience in private equity–backed environments.
• Exposure to M&A transactions and system migrations.
• Strong player‑coach leadership style with a people‑first approach.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, organizational change, and sensitive team dynamics.
• Limited travel required based on location.