As a Controller for high-growth startups, you will lead finance functions, manage payroll and benefits, ensure accurate financial reporting, and improve processes in fast-paced environments.
Controller
We’re looking for a Controller who operates like an owner, not just an accountant.
This role is for someone who has personally built and run finance functions inside growing companies—including accounting, payroll, and benefits—and is comfortable stepping into messy, fast-moving environments to bring clarity and structure.
What You’ll Do
You’ll serve as the day-to-day finance lead for multiple startup clients, working directly with founders and operators.
- Own the monthly close and deliver accurate, decision-ready financials
- Translate financial results into clear insights for founders
- Build and improve processes, systems, and controls as companies scale
- Manage and mentor a team (onshore + offshore) to execute day-to-day accounting
- Serve as the primary point of contact for auditors, tax partners, and external stakeholders
Critically Important - You will personally own or have owned:
- Payroll and benefits administration (Gusto, Rippling, ADP, Justworks, etc.)
- Building finance processes in companies without full infrastructure
What You’ve Likely Done Before
- Been the Controller, Head of Finance, or #1/#2 finance hire at a startup or high-growth company
- Built or cleaned up accounting and finance operations from the ground up
- Worked closely with founders or operators in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
- Owned both technical accounting AND operational accounting (payroll, benefits, systems)
- Implemented or significantly improved systems like QuickBooks, NetSuite, Gusto, Rippling, etc.
Core Areas of Ownership
- Full-cycle accounting (close, reconciliations, reporting)
- AR/AP, payroll, and benefits
- Inventory and COGS (for applicable clients)
- Cash flow forecasting and financial modeling
- GAAP compliance (ASC 606, accruals, etc.)
- Tax coordination and compliance
What We’re Looking For
- Strong accounting foundation (CPA a plus, not required)
- Experience in startup or high-growth environments (this is critical)
- Proven ability to own both accounting AND operational finance
- Comfortable managing multiple clients and priorities
- Systems-oriented thinker who enjoys building and improving processes
- Clear communicator who can work directly with founders
This Role Is Not For
- Candidates who have only worked in large, structured environments
- Purely technical accountants without operational ownership
- Individuals who haven’t directly managed payroll, benefits, or systems
Details
- 100% remote
- Work with a portfolio of high-growth startups across tech, consumer, and life sciences
- Opportunity to operate as a trusted advisor, not just a back-office function
About Us
B Consulting partners with high-growth, venture-backed startups to build and run their finance and accounting functions. We don’t just close books - we help founders build infrastructure, make decisions, and scale intelligently.
This is a remote opportunity.
#LI-Remote
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • Fintech • Insurance • Marketing Tech • Software • Analytics
Manage, investigate, and resolve attorney-represented auto and homeowner bodily-injury claims. Evaluate coverage, liability, and damages; coordinate with trial counsel; attend hearings and trials; ensure adequate reserves and financial controls; identify suspicious claims and subrogation opportunities; manage outside/in-house counsel billing; communicate with claimants, policyholders, and witnesses; maintain claim files and reporting.
Automotive • Professional Services • Software • Consulting • Energy • Chemical • Renewable Energy
Lead and support GHG emissions assurance engagements: perform analytical reviews of emissions and environmental data, manage project activities, prepare client materials, engage clients, support business development, and contribute to thought leadership and industry events.
Top Skills:
ExcelSustainability Reporting Software
Cloud • Fintech • Software • Business Intelligence • Consulting • Financial Services
Manage day-to-day lead routing, qualification, and CRM data quality in Microsoft Dynamics 365. Support campaign capture, attribution, tracking, reporting, and analysis. Collaborate with Marketing, Business Development, IT, and offshore teams to improve lead processes, implement CRM enhancements, and document operational procedures.
Top Skills:
CRMMicrosoft Dynamics 365
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
