Accounting Manager / Controller

About ACE FMS

ACE FMS, Inc. provides Financial Management Services (FMS) to individuals and families participating in California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP). We help clients manage budgets, process payroll and reimbursements, coordinate vendor payments, and maintain accurate financial documentation in partnership with California Regional Centers.

As our organization continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Accounting Manager / Controller to lead our day-to-day accounting operations, strengthen financial controls, and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

Position Overview

The Accounting Manager / Controller will serve as the primary internal owner of ACE FMS’s accounting records and financial reporting. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines technical accounting expertise, financial analysis, process improvement, and team management.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in U.S. GAAP, accrual accounting, month-end close, balance-sheet reconciliations, payroll accounting, and financial reporting. You should be comfortable investigating complex discrepancies, resolving unreconciled balances, and establishing accounting processes that support a growing organization.

An important aspect of this role is maintaining a clear distinction between ACE FMS’s operating revenue and expenses and the client-related expenditures and reimbursements we administer.

You will lead a team of approximately five accounting professionals and work closely with executive leadership, payroll, operations, and external accounting and tax professionals.

Key ResponsibilitiesAccounting Operations & Financial Reporting

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Maintain accurate general ledger records and ensure transactions are properly classified and documented.
• Prepare and review financial statements, including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows.
• Maintain detailed balance-sheet reconciliations, supporting schedules, and accounting workpapers.
• Ensure financial records are maintained in accordance with U.S. GAAP and accrual accounting principles.
• Investigate unusual transactions, variances, duplicate entries, and unreconciled balances.

Bank Reconciliations & Cash Management

• Oversee timely reconciliation of bank accounts, credit cards, payroll accounts, and other financial accounts.
• Investigate and resolve unidentified deposits, outstanding checks, duplicate transactions, and aging reconciling items.
• Maintain appropriate separation of operating cash, payroll activity, and client-related transactions.
• Support banking processes and maintain appropriate financial controls.

Client & Regional Center Accounting

• Oversee accounting for client-related payroll, vendor payments, reimbursements, and other program expenditures.
• Reconcile client expense clearing accounts and related Regional Center reimbursement activity.
• Ensure client-related expenditures and reimbursements are properly distinguished from company revenue and operating expenses.
• Research aging reimbursement balances and coordinate with operations to resolve discrepancies.

Payroll, Accounts Receivable & Expense Accounting

• Reconcile payroll transactions, payroll liabilities, taxes, deductions, and clearing accounts to the general ledger.
• Work with payroll operations and third-party providers to investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate accounting for service-fee revenue, Regional Center receivables, and outstanding balances.
• Monitor accounts-receivable aging and subsequent collections.
• Review operating expenses, credit card transactions, employee reimbursements, and vendor expenses for proper classification, documentation, and approval.

Related-Party & Intercompany Accounting

• Maintain accurate records of transactions with related entities.
• Reconcile intercompany and related-party balances.
• Document loans, repayments, administrative charges, distributions, and other related-party transactions.
• Ensure supporting documentation is complete and readily available for financial reporting and audits.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Serve as the primary internal accounting contact for the annual financial statement audit.
• Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, confirmations, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with external CPAs and tax professionals on applicable federal and state filings.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready financial records throughout the year.
• Support financial information requests related to insurance, banking, workers’ compensation, licensing, and regulatory requirements.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Establish standardized month-end close checklists, reconciliation procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Identify process weaknesses and implement practical solutions to reduce errors and financial risk.
• Improve accounting workflows and automate manual processes where appropriate.
• Build scalable accounting practices to support the company’s continued growth.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a team of approximately five accounting professionals.
• Establish clear responsibilities, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Provide coaching, feedback, training, and professional development.
• Delegate work effectively while maintaining accountability for accuracy and deadlines.
• Identify staffing and skill-development needs as the organization grows.
• Participate in recruiting, onboarding, and developing additional accounting team members as needed.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least five years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• At least three years of direct people-management experience, preferably leading an accounting or finance team.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and accrual accounting.
• Demonstrated experience managing month-end close processes and preparing or reviewing financial statements.
• Advanced experience with balance-sheet reconciliations and investigating complex accounting discrepancies.
• Experience with payroll accounting, payroll liabilities, and high-volume financial transactions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• Experience with QuickBooks or a comparable accounting system.
• Ability to independently investigate accounting issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-accounting stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Accountant.
• Experience supporting an independent financial statement audit.
• Background in financial management services, healthcare, human services, payroll administration, government-funded programs, or reimbursement-based operations.
• Experience developing accounting procedures and internal controls in a growing organization.
• Experience managing related-party transactions, clearing accounts, and complex reconciliations.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a hands-on accounting leader who can take ownership of the company’s accounting function, not simply oversee tasks or rely on external accountants to resolve problems.

The successful candidate will be able to:

• Independently manage and improve the monthly close process.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies rather than allowing unreconciled balances to accumulate.
• Maintain accurate, well-supported financial records.
• Distinguish company operating activity from client-related financial transactions.
• Develop a capable accounting team while maintaining high standards of accuracy and accountability.
• Provide leadership with reliable financial information to support business decisions.
• Build processes that improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and support future growth.

Compensation

Annual Salary: $80,000–$120,000

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. Compensation will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated ability to lead the accounting function.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote