Controller

COMPANY

At Socium Advisors, we build a true partnership with our clients. Through outcome-based planning and focus on the long-term goals of our clients, we carve a path together and hold one another accountable along the way. Socium Advisors operates within the Northwestern Mutual framework uniquely offering the advantage of both a large established company and small entrepreneurial firm. Though working with other financial representatives within the Northwestern system, Socium Advisors is a growing team focused on delivering custom plans and excellent client service. Socium Advisors is committed to fostering a workplace that prioritizes innovation, growth, and employee well-being. As a supporting member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape a supportive culture that promotes career development and drives business success.

OUR VALUES

Our values are important to us. At Socium our culture is based on our Core Values:

Intense Momentum | Personal Responsibility | Client-Centric | Continual Innovation | Collaborative Engagement

POSITION TITLE: Controller

CLASSIFICATION: Salaried, Exempt | On-Site, Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Socium Advisors is seeking a Controller to own the firm's multi-entity accounting operations, financial reporting, bill payment, and partner payroll administration. Reporting to the CFO and managing one direct report, this role is responsible for maintaining the books and records across the firm's partnership and partner-entity structure, managing acquisition-related balance sheet accounting, and ensuring accurate capital account maintenance across all entities. The Controller will own the firm's day-to-day accounting and reporting so the CFO can focus on acquisitions, partner economics, and firm strategy.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and oversee all accounting operations across the firm's multi-entity structure, including the partnership and each partner entity, maintaining accurate bookkeeping for S-Corps, partnerships, and C-Corps, including intercompany and pass through transactions
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close, including account reconciliations, accruals, and a documented close process
• Own the accounts payable and bill payment process, including oversight of bill entry and coding, approval of weekly payment runs, vendor setup and payment terms, and approval and verification controls for payments and vendor banking changes
• Reconcile revenue received through Northwestern Mutual and allocate revenue by advisor, partner, and office
• Manage amortization and depreciation schedules and the associated journal entries across all entities
• Record and maintain balance sheet accounting for acquisition transactions, including stock swaps, cash portions of deals, deferred or contingent payments, and the resulting amortization journal entries; support integration of acquired practices into the firm's accounting, payroll, and expense processes
• Oversee payroll management for all firm employees and partner entities, ensuring accurate and timely processing
• Maintain accurate bookkeeping for S-Corps, partnerships, and C-Corps, including intercompany transactions and eliminations
• Maintain capital accounts and equity records for the partnership and partner entities, calculate partner distributions in accordance with the Operating Agreement, and ensure accurate tracking of contributions, distributions, and ownership interests
• Coordinate preparation of the partnership's Form 1065 and Schedule K-1s, as well as the partner entities' S-Corp and C-Corp returns and any state pass-through entity tax elections, working with external tax preparers
• Collaborate with the CFO and external advisors to provide financial reporting, analysis, and insights that drive business decisions
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for the Senior Leadership Team
• Build and maintain the annual budget, rolling forecast, and cash flow forecast in partnership with the CFO
• Design and maintain internal controls appropriate for a lean team, including segregation of duties and payment approvals
• Coordinate information requests from outside accountants, lenders, and Northwestern Mutual
• Supervise, coach, and develop one direct report, delegating transactional processing while retaining ownership and review of the work
• Improve and automate accounting workflows and evaluate systems as the firm scales
• Perform other position duties as required

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN YEAR ONE:

• First 90 days: take over the monthly close from the CFO, document the process, and deliver the monthly reporting package on time
• First 6 months: close completed within 10 business days; bill payment, payroll, and partner distribution processes standardized, reviewed, and reconciled
• First 12 months: close completed within 7 business days; year-end and tax season completed without significant adjustments from outside accountants; a repeatable integration checklist used on at least one acquisition

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Adherence to firm’s Core Values
• A high level of customer-centricity
• Strong work ethic
• Strong team player with the ability to adapt to diverse team members
• Ability to work effectively with people of all positions
• A high level of confidentiality and discretion
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable explaining financial results clearly to partners and leaders who are not accountants
• Detail-oriented – a high level of attention to detail is required
• A high level of time management, initiative, accountability, and prioritization skills
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and driven to accomplish department goals
• Ability to be organized, problem-solve, and be solution-oriented under pressure

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Public accounting experience, or equivalent experience as a Controller or Assistant Controller in a multi-entity environment
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including multi-entity accounting
• Strong knowledge of S-Corps, partnerships, and C-Corps taxation and accounting
• Experience with balance sheet accounting, including acquisition-related journal entries
• Proficiency in amortization and depreciation accounting
• Experience with payroll management and payroll tax compliance
• Experience managing accounts payable and payment approval processes
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with a general ledger system and Microsoft Office
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to clear a criminal background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• CPA license (strongly preferred)
• Financial Service industry experience
• Experience with acquisition accounting, including stock swaps and cash portions of deals
• Wealth Management Industry experience a plus
• Advanced degree or additional certification
• At least 1 year supervising others

LOCATION:

St. Louis, MO

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, video conferencing, copy/fax, and smartphones.

Minimal travel may be required for planning meetings and retreats

COMPENSATION:

This is a salaried position with a base pay between $125,000 and $165,000 based on skills and experience.

This position is also eligible for the semi-annual bonus program. Target bonus is 10-12% of salary, with a maximum payment equal to 20% of salary dependent on Individual KPI’s and firm performance.

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL DESCRIPTION:

Northwestern Mutual is a financial services company that offers a variety of insurance and investment solutions. Since our founding in 1857, through every recession and every economic boom, we’ve kept our focus on the long term, delivering our clients and policy owners consistent financial strength year after year. Our financial representatives build lifelong relationships to help clients identify their unique needs in order to provide long-term solutions. To learn more, go to www.NorthwesternMutual.com.

Socium Advisors is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 4% Match
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid military leave
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Sabbatical
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person