Senior Controller – Family Office
Role & Responsibilities
This fast-paced and high-integrity family office supports the day-to-day financial operations, reporting, and compliance for an entrepreneurial principal. The office is structured to function as a high-performing, discreet team that serves as the central hub for reporting, quality control, coordination, and implementation across a range of financial and operational matters. While core services are delivered internally, the team collaborates closely with trusted external advisors.
The Senior Controller will report to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and help lead the delivery of comprehensive, adaptable financial services within the office. This individual will foster an environment of professionalism, trust, and open communication—both within the team and with external partners. Discretion and a commitment to confidentiality are paramount.
This role will include oversight of all controllership functions and deep collaboration with other internal staff, the executive team, external service providers, and affiliated family entities.
- Lead all aspects of financial reporting, record keeping, and compliance, including preparation of financial statements, investment tracking, general ledger, and cash flow reports.
- Prepare annual budgets and rolling forecasts informed by historical performance and forward-looking assumptions.
- Conduct analytical reviews of professional, incentive, and transactional fees against governing agreements.
- Assist with quarterly tax projections and iterations of tax strategies in collaboration with the CFO.
- Coordinate with tax advisors to prepare and review annual tax filings and compliance deliverables.
- Maintain systems for tracking compliance across audit timelines, tax payments, and filing deadlines.
- Manage payroll and benefits, including 401(k) and annual plan renewals.
- Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules.
- Drive the implementation of internal controls and improvements to close and reporting cycles.
- Own and refine processes around invoice processing, fee calculations, cash management, and other accounting workflows.
- Oversee investment accounting, working knowledge of reporting platforms, and regular data input validation.
- Maintain physical and digital safekeeping of sensitive financial documents, including securities.
- Serve as primary liaison for FATCA and other foreign tax reporting requirements.
- Collaborate with outside vendors, service providers, and affiliated family offices on strategic and ad hoc projects.
Operational & Administrative Oversight
- Support executive leadership in maintaining corporate governance across trusts, foundations, and entities.
- Monitor and coordinate insurance coverage across all policies (life, P&C, D&O, etc.).
- Assist in the management of household staff, vendor contracts, and property-related administration.
- Ensure regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions relevant to the family’s holdings.
- Maintain systems for managing art, collectibles, and other unique assets.
- Uphold the family’s reputation and privacy through discretion and professionalism in all dealings.
Support for Family Entities & Foundations
- Participate in execution of financial, tax, and estate planning strategies in coordination with family advisors.
- Remain adaptable and responsive to new priorities or tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s in Accounting or Finance from a recognized institution.
- CPA preferred but not required.
Experience
- Senior-level experience in controller or accounting leadership, ideally within a family office or UHNW environment.
- Expertise in complex, multi-entity accounting (e.g., partnerships, trusts, alternative investments).
- Experience managing teams of 4–5+ and overseeing external consultants or audit teams.
- Prior implementation of accounting/reporting systems (e.g., Sage) and workflow optimization.
- Familiarity with top-tier audit firms and experience with high-complexity audits.
Skills & Attributes
- Discretion and integrity with sensitive financial and personal information.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized, accountable, and detail-oriented.
- Strong technical knowledge of GAAP, tax, and compliance.
- Comfortable in both entrepreneurial and structured environments.
- Able to multitask and prioritize across fast-moving deliverables and team members.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook.
- Experience with accounting systems (e.g., Sage) and financial reporting tools.
- Familiarity with Addepar or similar platforms a plus.
- Competitive compensation package with performance bonus and full benefits.
- Focus on learning and professional development.
- Collaborative, high-performing team in a dynamic and low-ego environment.