Interim Controller

A client of Robert Half's in Melbourne, FL is looking to bring on an interim Controller for the next 2-3 months.

The Controller is responsible for SEC reporting, technical accounting, and internal controls/SOX readiness. Below are additional responsibilities for the position:

Accounting Leadership & Financial Close

• Own and lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process end to end, including establishing and maintaining a disciplined close calendar with defined responsibilities, deadlines, and review requirements; continuously improve the close process toward greater speed, accuracy, and documentation
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and estimates; ensure every balance sheet account is reconciled, reviewed, and supported.
• Prepare and/or review US GAAP-compliant financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, and statement of stockholders' equity.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts, and perform analytical review of financial results, investigating the unusual balances, transactions, and trends.

Treasury & Working Capital

• Maintain strong accounting controls over cash and banking activity and review bank reconciliations to ensure timely resolution of reconciling items.
• Oversee accounting for debt, financing arrangements, and other treasury-related transactions.

Accounting Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain the integrity of financial information across accounting and operational systems and establish reconciliation controls between the general ledger and inventory, payroll, banking, and other relevant systems.
• Identify and lead opportunities to automate manual accounting processes and improve the speed and reliability of financial reporting.

External Audit (Day-to-Day Ownership)

• Serve as the primary day-to-day accounting contact for the external auditors.
• Lead audit preparation and execution, including schedules, supporting documentation, confirmations, and audit requests, and maintain an audit-ready accounting environment throughout the year.
• Drive timely resolution of audit matters and implementation of audit recommendations and control improvements.

SEC Reporting & Public Company Readiness

• Maintain working fluency in SEC reporting requirements, including preparation of Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K
• Lead development of the company's roadmap for SEC and public-company readiness, including identifying and closing gaps in the current financial reporting environment.
• Support the CFO in preparation of SEC filings, registration statements, and all MD&A preparation including capital-markets transaction coordination.

Technical Accounting

• Lead research and drafting of technical accounting positions on matters including revenue recognition (ASC 606), lease accounting (ASC 842), and other significant judgments.
• Monitor relevant new accounting standards and SEC guidance, assessing potential impact and leading implementation where applicable.

Internal Controls & SOX Readiness

• Own the design and documentation of the company's internal control environment, including entity-level and transaction-level controls over financial reporting.
• Support the company's SOX readiness program, including risk assessment, control design, testing readiness, and remediation, coordinating with external auditors as needed.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including meaningful public accounting exposure (Big Four or another national firm and/or public company) that provides a genuine benchmark for GAAP rigor and audit readiness.
• Demonstrated ownership of the close process and balance sheet integrity at a company of meaningful operational complexity.
• Meaningful SEC reporting experience is required, including direct involvement preparing or reviewing SEC financial statements and disclosures at a public company or pre-IPO environment.
• Demonstrated experience researching and drafting technical accounting positions (e.g., ASC 606, ASC 842) and maintaining formal accounting policy documentation.
• Experience establishing or maturing an internal controls environment; SOX readiness or implementation experience would be a plus.
• Government-contracting or defense industry experience is a plus, not a requirement — accounting technical depth and hands-on execution matter more than sector pedigree for this particular role.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; CPA strongly preferred.