OVERVIEW

Our client is a well-established, lower-middle-market private equity firm headquartered in Clayton, Missouri, with a diversified portfolio of approximately a dozen operating companies. After a decade of successful investing, the firm is seeking a Controller to build, formalize, and own the accounting and financial reporting infrastructure at the holding-company level.

This is a highly visible, hands-on role ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, lightly structured environments and enjoys bringing order to complexity. The Controller will partner closely with the firm’s partners and office manager and will serve as the central point of coordination for accounting, reporting, and administrative functions across the platform.

WHY THIS ROLE

• Opportunity to build accounting processes from the ground up and document best practices
• High level of autonomy and trust from firm leadership
• Broad exposure across multiple portfolio companies and industries
• Excellent work-life balance and flexibility
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with minimal bureaucracy

This role is well-suited for a Controller who enjoys variety, is energized by ambiguity, and takes pride in being the “go-to” person who keeps the firm running smoothly.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Build and maintain the holding company’s accounting framework, policies, and procedures
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the parent company and selected portfolio entities
• Prepare consolidated and standalone financial statements and internal reporting for partners
• Ensure timely, accurate financial information across the platform
• Manage cash flow, intercompany activity, and basic treasury functions

Portfolio Company & Stakeholder Support

• Serve as a key liaison to portfolio company leaders on accounting, reporting, and process matters
• Setup accounting and administrative infrastructure for newly acquired companies, as needed.
• Coordinate with external CPA firm on tax filings, reviews, and audits
• Interface with outside legal counsel and other professional service providers as needed

Systems & Process Development

• Leverage and optimize QuickBooks across the parent company and portfolio entities (highly preferred experience)
• Design scalable, practical accounting processes suitable for small- to mid-sized businesses
• Document workflows, controls, and procedures to create institutional knowledge

Team & Vendor Management

• Manage and review the work of one outsourced accounting staff/bookkeeper
• Coordinate deliverables across internal and external resources

Administrative & Firm Operations

• Support a range of non-financial and administrative responsibilities that help keep the firm running efficiently
• Partner with the office manager and leadership team to improve internal organization and communication

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience & Technical Skills

• Strong accounting fundamentals; CPA or public accounting background a plus but not required
• Experience supporting multiple small to mid-sized businesses, holding companies, or complex entity structures
• Hands-on QuickBooks experience strongly preferred
• Comfortable operating without a large team or established infrastructure

Personal Attributes

• Energized by ambiguity, change, and building from scratch
• Highly communicative, collaborative, and service-oriented
• Positive, can-do attitude with a strong sense of ownership
• Organized, detail-oriented, and pragmatic rather than overly theoretical
• Enjoys wearing multiple hats and being a trusted internal partner

Location & Work Style

• Based in Clayton, Missouri
• Offers flexibility and strong work-life balance
• In-office collaboration with flexibility as appropriate

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Controller who wants to make a visible impact, build lasting infrastructure, and work closely with experienced private equity partners in a collegial, flexible environment.