Controller

Title: Controller
Company: Celerity Consulting Group
Status: Exempt
Location: Remote (US Based) with occasional travel to our Headquarters office in Walnut Creek, CA.
Company: Celerity is a growth-oriented consulting firm specializing in risk optimization for public utility organizations. Headquartered in Walnut Creek, CA, Celerity partners with some of the nation’s largest energy providers to transform complex data into actionable insights that improve safety, reliability, and operational performance.
Position Summary
The Controller is responsible for leading all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance activities of the company. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this role oversees the integrity of the company’s financial records, manages the monthly close process, ensures compliance with all tax and regulatory requirements, and supports operational and strategic financial initiatives.
This position requires a hands-on leader with strong technical accounting expertise, process orientation, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will have experience managing complex accounting operations while also owning critical compliance functions including tax filings, business licenses, and regulatory reporting.
Experience with Oracle NetSuite and OpenAir is strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Financial Operations
· Lead all day-to-day accounting operations including:
o General ledger
o Accounts payable
o Accounts receivable
o Payroll accounting
o Revenue recognition
o Fixed assets
o Lease accounting
o Cash management
· Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
· Prepare and review monthly financial statements
· Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
· Maintain and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
· Oversee account reconciliations and balance sheet integrity.
· Develop scalable accounting processes and operational efficiencies to support company growth.
Treasury Management
· Manage bank accounts and cash balances.
Budgeting & Forecasting
· Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities in partnership with the CFO.
· Prepare annual Capex, depreciation & amortization, budgets and ensure forecasts are updated as is necessary.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
· Own all aspects of corporate compliance, including:
o Sales and use tax
o Income tax coordination with external providers
o Prepare and file a variety of tax filings, including, but not limited to, sales tax and business property tax filings
o Business licenses and registrations
o Annual reports and state filings
o Regulatory reporting requirements
· Coordinate external audits, tax advisors, and other third-party service providers.
· Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
· Monitor changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements and implement necessary process changes.
Systems & Process Improvement
· Serve as a key finance systems resource for accounting and financial operations.
· Maintain and optimize accounting workflows within Oracle NetSuite and related systems.
· Partner with operations and project management teams to ensure accurate project accounting and reporting within OpenAir.
· Identify opportunities for automation, process standardization, and improved reporting capabilities.
· Work with the NetSuite consultants to implement system improvements
Leadership & Cross-Functional Support
· Supervise and mentor accounting staff and help build a high-performing finance organization.
· Partner cross-functionally with operations, HR, project management, and executive leadership teams.
· Support strategic initiatives, due diligence activities, audits, and other special projects as needed.
· Provide reliable financial insight and operational support to the CFO and leadership team.
Insurance
· Manage insurance renewals and providing COIs when required.
· Ensure the company has appropriate insurance coverage for current operations as well as taking into account expected growth and potential new work.
Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
· CPA designation required.
· 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibilities.
· Prior Controller or Assistant Controller experience strongly preferred.
· Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
· Experience managing tax and regulatory compliance activities.
· Experience with multi-entity and/or project-based accounting environments preferred.
· Strong ERP experience required; experience with Oracle NetSuite strongly preferred.
· Experience with OpenAir or similar PSA/project accounting systems preferred.
· Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong financial systems aptitude.
· Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Attributes
· Experience supporting private equity-backed or high-growth organizations is a plus.
· Hands-on and detail-oriented while maintaining a strategic perspective.
· Strong process improvement mindset.
· Ability to independently drive projects and solve problems.
· High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.