CFO/Controller OpportunityWe are seeking a hands-on, operationally focused CFO/Controller to join a growing payroll processing company. This role combines strategic financial leadership with direct oversight of payroll tax operations, compliance, and process management. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable managing accounting and compliance functions while improving workflows, driving operational efficiency, and supporting executive decision-making.This is not a purely back-office accounting role.
The position requires a proactive leader who can oversee financial operations while collaborating across payroll operations, payroll tax, client service, compliance, technology, and executive management.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial LeadershipOversee all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow managementPrepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statementsMaintain internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirementsManage audits, tax filings, banking relationships, and insurance mattersDevelop KPIs and financial metrics to support company growth and profitabilityAdvise ownership/executive leadership on financial strategy and operational performancePayroll Tax Department LeadershipDirect and oversee all payroll tax operations, filings, deposits, reconciliations, and compliance activitiesEnsure timely and accurate filing/payment of all federal, state, and local payroll taxesManage quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting, including Forms 941, 940, W-2s, state unemployment filings, and related compliance reportingOversee payroll tax account registrations, notices, audits, amendments, and agency correspondenceBuild and manage controls to minimize tax penalties, late filings, and compliance exposureSupervise payroll tax personnel and establish scalable departmental processes and accountabilityCoordinate with payroll operations and technology teams to ensure system accuracy, tax table maintenance, and regulatory updatesMaintain current knowledge of multi-state payroll tax regulations and compliance requirementsLead resolution of complex payroll tax issues, client escalations, and regulatory mattersEvaluate and improve payroll tax workflows, automation, and reporting systemsOperational OversightPartner with payroll operations leadership to improve workflows, controls, scalability, and efficiencyEvaluate and optimize operational processes across payroll processing, onboarding, billing, collections, and client serviceHelp implement systems, automation, and reporting tools to improve accuracy and productivitySupport organizational scaling, process documentation, and cross-functional accountabilityParticipate in vendor management, software evaluations, and operational planningCompliance & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with payroll tax regulations, labor-related reporting requirements, and financial controlsMonitor risk exposure and implement policies/procedures to protect company assets and client fundsMaintain strong controls around payroll processing accuracy and financial integrityEstablish audit-ready procedures and documentation standards across accounting and payroll tax functionsQualificationsCPA preferred5 years of progressive accounting/finance leadership experienceSignificant experience managing payroll tax operations within a payroll processing company, PEO, staffing firm, or related environmentStrong understanding of multi-state payroll tax compliance, agency requirements, and payroll operationsExperience overseeing accounting, payroll tax systems, HR/payroll platforms, and operational workflowsProven ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environmentStrong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skillsHands-on mentality with willingness to dive into operational and compliance details when neededIdeal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is a strategic but highly practical finance leader who can balance high-level financial oversight with operational execution. They should possess deep payroll tax expertise, understand the importance of compliance and accuracy in payroll operations, and be capable of building scalable systems, processes, and controls in a growing organization.CompensationCompetitive base salaryBonus/incentive structureBenefits packagePotential equity participation for the right candidate