Controller, Accounting, Accounting Manager

A well-established, entrepreneurial event production company in St. Louis is seeking a Controller to serve as the top accounting leader and right hand to the CEO/Owner. This is a highly visible role responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, and project/job costing across a dynamic, fast-moving business.

This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on accounting leader who thrives in a small-company environment and enjoys owning the full accounting function while partnering directly with executive leadership.

The Controller will oversee company-wide accounting operations and manage one Staff Accountant (responsible for payroll and accounts receivable). This individual will own the month-end close process, financial statement preparation, budgeting and forecasting, and project/job costing for live events and production projects.

This is a “roll up your sleeves” leadership role — strategic where appropriate, but highly hands-on in day-to-day execution.

• Lead and execute full-cycle accounting operations
• Manage and oversee month-end and year-end close processes
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements
• Maintain general ledger integrity and oversee reconciliations
• Oversee credit card expense accounting and AP functions
• Review payroll and AR processes managed by Staff Accountant

• Implement and maintain robust job costing processes for event production projects
• Track project profitability and margin analysis
• Partner with operations to ensure accurate project cost allocation
• Analyze budget vs. actual results by event/project

• Lead annual budgeting process
• Develop rolling forecasts and cash flow projections
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to the CEO

• Manage and mentor Staff Accountant
• Improve processes and internal controls
• Build scalable systems to support company growth

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required (CPA preferred but not required)
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Prior experience as a Controller or senior-level accounting lead in a small to mid-sized business strongly preferred
• Strong Quick Books expertise required
• Experience with job costing / project accounting strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage full-cycle accounting independently
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment