Accounting Manager or Controller

Location: Waianae

Description

Interim Accounting and Finance Transformation Consultant (Project-Based)

Location:

Leeward Oahu, Hawaii

Schedule:

Full-time; onsite during the initial 2-4 week assessment period, transitioning to a hybrid schedule thereafter.

Duration: 4-6 month engagement with potential extension.

Project Overview

A respected Hawaii-based organization is seeking an experienced Accounting and Finance Transformation Consultant to provide hands-on leadership during a critical period of operational improvement and ERP modernization. This consultant will assess current processes, stabilize financial operations, improve reporting and controls, support audit readiness, and lead the successful implementation of a new cloud-based ERP platform.

Scope of Work

Accounting Leadership

+ Provide interim leadership, direction, and oversight of the accounting function.

+ Establish department priorities, accountability, and process consistency.

+ Coach and mentor accounting staff while evaluating team structure, workflows, and resource allocation.

Financial Operations and Reporting

+ Improve month-end and year-end close timelines and reporting efficiency.

+ Review general ledger activity, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting processes.

+ Support preparation of financial statements and management reporting.

+ Develop sustainable reporting practices that improve organizational visibility and decision-making.

ERP Implementation and Process Improvement

+ Serve as a key advisor and project lead during implementation of a cloud-based accounting system.

+ Partner with stakeholders, implementation vendors, and department leaders to drive adoption and workflow alignment.

+ Identify process gaps and implement solutions that improve efficiency and reduce manual processes.

+ Support data validation, documentation, training, and post-implementation stabilization efforts.

Internal Controls, Audit and Compliance

+ Evaluate accounting procedures, financial workflows, and internal controls.

+ Recommend improvements that enhance compliance, financial accuracy, and risk management.

+ Lead audit preparation, including schedules, reconciliations, supporting documentation, and auditor requests.

+ Create process documentation and best practices to support long-term sustainability.

Strategic Partnership

+ Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on accounting operations, financial reporting, and organizational priorities.

+ Provide actionable recommendations that strengthen financial management and support strategic decision-making.

+ Lead special projects and transformation initiatives as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications

+ Senior-level accounting or finance leadership experience, including Controller, Finance Director, CFO, or consulting roles.

+ Proven success leading ERP implementations, system conversions, and finance transformation initiatives.

+ Strong knowledge of financial reporting, internal controls, audit preparation, and accounting operations.

+ Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment.

+ CPA preferred; public accounting experience a plus.

Desired Experience

+ Senior Controller, Controller, Assistant Controller, Director of Finance, or Accounting Manager background.

+ Progressive leadership experience managing accounting teams and complex financial operations.

+ Strong expertise in financial reporting, general ledger management, month-end close, audit support, and process improvement.

+ Experience leading ERP or accounting system implementations and organizational change initiatives.

+ Proven ability to quickly assess environments, establish priorities, and deliver measurable improvements.

+ Strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

+ Public accounting, healthcare, nonprofit, education, government, or mission-driven organization experience is a plus.

Project Impact

This consulting engagement offers an opportunity to make an immediate and visible impact within a mission-driven Hawaii organization. The selected consultant will play a critical role in strengthening financial operations, modernizing systems and processes, improving reporting reliability,…