Controller

Firehouse Strategies is a full-service public affairs firm specializing in targeted persuasion campaigns for a diverse range of corporate clients. Based in Washington, D.C., our team includes seasoned political operatives, former Hill staffers, and expert communications professionals. Based on lessons learned from decades of political experience, culminating in a 2016 presidential campaign, Firehouse was created to apply that expertise to corporate public affairs. Today, we design and execute successful communications and advocacy campaigns for Fortune 100 companies, leading trade associations, business coalitions, and nonprofits. Our practice also continues to grow in key areas, such as litigation support, reputation management, and crisis communications

SUMMARY 

The Controller will take the lead on all aspects of Firehouse’s accounting and finance functions, including Payroll & HR, with oversight from Firehouse’s CFO/COO. This leader will have primary responsibility for all Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll and HR related tasks. The Controller will report to the CFO/COO.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct responsibility for all aspects of Accounts Receivable, including preparation of client invoices, appropriate application of revenue recognition, revenue/expense matching principles, collections, and analytical review of all completed projects.
• Assist the CFO/COO in preparation of new client contracts, including tracking status of all contracts and compliance with various contract provisions.
• Direct responsibility for all aspects of Accounts Payable, including reconciling company credit card accounts daily, entering and processing payment for all invoices and expenses, tracking contractor agreements and payments, and ensuring compliance with 1099 reporting requirements.
• Assist the CFO/COO to produce weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and various other reports, including bank reporting packages.
• Direct responsibility to all aspects of Payroll & HR, including onboading new staff, offboarding departing staff, processing semi-monthly payroll, benefits administration, and maintaining all Payroll & HR related records.
• Assist the CFO/COO with the annual financial statement audit process.
• Other duties as reasonably assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration from an accredited university.
• 5+ years of relevant agency/professional services accounting experience, with strong financial and accounting background.
• Ability to work independently while tracking and meeting multiple deadlines on a recurring basis.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills and exceptional interpersonal capabilities.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, diverse environment, and requiring a flexible work schedule.
• Previous experience and strong skills with QuickBooks Online, MS Excel, and NetSuite.
• Experience with facilitating ERP systems migration.

Preferred:

• Previous Controller/Accounting experience.
• MBA, master’s degree in accounting or finance.
• CPA/CMA designation.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES AND COMPONENTS FOR SUCCESS

Strong Accounting Background: The successful candidate will be expected to continue the professionalization of the accounting and finance function. This hands-on role will require an in-depth understanding of accounting and financial reporting typical in an agency setting.

Detail Oriented: The candidate should be comfortable and willing to delve into the details of their duties while maintaining the highest levels of integrity.

Highly Organized, Able to Multi-Task Effectively: The position will require the balancing of multiple priorities, while completing certain tasks on a tight deadline. The candidate should possess an ability to “think forward” while applying a strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Proactive Information Gathering and Problem Solving: As the day-to-day accounting and finance lead, the candidate will be expected to proactively project or identify issues (including budget variances), obtain explanations and work with the CFO/COO to quickly implement corrective action, if necessary.

Excellent Communication Skills: When interacting with employees/management, the candidate should be able to effectively communicate information and opinions in both written and verbal formats.

Comfort With Entrepreneurial Environment: The candidate should be comfortable with Firehouse’s fast-paced, hands-on, entrepreneurial culture, with a proven ability to be a self-starter and comfort working independently.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Annual Compensation: $90,000 – $125,000, commensurate with experience plus annual bonus consideration.
• Superb health and dental insurance benefits, with Firehouse paying 100% of the Carefirst Gold-tier reference plans offered by the firm
• Excellent retirement benefits, with Firehouse providing a 401(k)-plan featuring a 3% employer contribution for all employees
• Employer-sponsored financial planning services, with a dedicated financial planner offered by the firm to all employees
• Flexible Spending Accounts, offering employees a way to set aside pre-tax pay for qualifying health care expenses, dependent care expenses, and commuting or parking expenses
• 15 days of paid time off vacation leave and 5 days of paid sick leave per calendar year
• Monthly stipend for cellular phone usage
• Monthly firmwide social events
• A fun and collaborative environment to develop and expand your career

If interested and to learn more about the role, please send an email with a copy of your resume to ControllerJob@firehousestrategies.com