Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell, P.C. (Councilor), a leading accounting and business advisory firm, is seeking a Supervisor-level professional who operates as a fractional Controller for a portfolio of outsourced accounting and advisory clients, with a focus on nonprofit organizations and professional service businesses. This role combines technical accounting oversight, engagement leadership, financial analysis, and proactive client advisory. The Supervisor is expected to develop a strong understanding of each client's operations, identify issues and opportunities beyond routine accounting matters, and help clients improve their financial processes and decision-making
The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of public accounting, advisory and/or finance leadership experience, including experience operating at engagement-lead level with responsibility for supervising staff and owning client deliverables. Experience in a Client Advisory Services (CAS) or outsourced accounting environment is strongly preferred, as this role requires managing multiple client engagements simultaneously. This role is ideal for a detail‑oriented, analytical professional who excels in a dynamic, client‑focused environment. This position includes the opportunity to help strengthen delivery today while expanding the firm's advisory capabilities and is designed for a professional who wants to grow into a future leadership role within the practice.
Essential Functions
Client Advisory and Financial Leadership
- Analyze financial results to identify trends, evaluate performance, and provide actionable recommendations to clients.
- Develop and interpret financial models supporting cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning initiatives.
- Analyze budget-to-actual results and assist clients in understanding financial performance and operational implications.
- Assist clients with annual budgets, grant budgets, forecasting, and multi-year financial planning.
- Prepare and present financial reports, dashboards, and key performance metrics to client leadership.
- Maintain an inquisitive understanding of client operations and financial results, investigating unusual trends, inconsistencies, and underlying business drivers rather than relying solely on transactional accuracy.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve client reporting, controls, technology, workflows, and financial decision-making.
- Lead or support improvements to processes, technology, and reporting.
- Analyze profitability, program performance, and operational efficiency to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support clients with financial decision-making, process improvements, and implementation of best practices.
- Collaborate with Executive Directors, CEOs, CFOs, Boards of Directors, Finance Committees, and other stakeholders to communicate financial results and recommendations.
- Advise clients with the development and monitoring of internal controls and financial policies.
Engagement Management and Client Service
- Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and adherence to firm standards.
- Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned clients and maintain strong professional relationships.
- Coordinate engagement planning, workflow, staffing assignments, and deadlines to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Review engagement progress and address issues proactively to ensure client satisfaction.
- Anticipate client needs and identify opportunities for additional advisory or accounting services that provide value and strengthen the client relationship.
- Identify accounting, operational, and reporting challenges and work collaboratively with clients and firm leadership to develop solutions.
- Monitor engagement scope, economics, staffing and delivery; identify scope creep, recurring inefficiencies, and requests outside the engagement, and communicate recommended actions to Managers and Partners. Proactively identify additional client needs and service opportunities and collaborate internally on appropriate scope and pricing.
- Exercise sound judgment in resolving engagement issues independently while recognizing matters requiring escalation to firm leadership.
- Cooperate with tax, audit, and specialty service teams to provide integrated solutions to clients.
Accounting Operations and Technical Oversight
- Review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules prepared by Staff and Senior Accountants.
- Ensure financial reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable accounting standards and client requirements.
- Oversee accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger maintenance, and month-end close processes.
- Research and resolve complex accounting issues and provide guidance to engagement teams.
- Assist with audit preparation and coordinate the collection of information requested by auditors and other external stakeholders.
- Evaluate and improve accounting processes, controls, and workflows to enhance efficiency and service quality.
- Identify opportunities to reduce manual or repetitive work through automation, system integrations, standardized workflows, and emerging technologies.
- Leverage appropriate technology, including AI-enabled tools, to improve analysis, research, reporting, and engagement delivery while applying professional judgment and appropriate review of outputs.
Staff Supervision, Training, and Development
- Supervise, review, and mentor Staff and Senior Accountants assigned to client engagements.
- Provide clear direction, coaching, and constructive feedback to support employee development and performance.
- Review work assignments to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to firm standards.
- Assist Managers and Partners with performance evaluations, goal setting, and professional development planning.
- Participate in onboarding and training initiatives for new team members.
- Develop staff through delegation and helping team members build the skills necessary to operate with increasing independence.
- Identify recurring errors, training needs, and process gaps and develop solutions that improve performance across engagements. Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and exceptional client service.
- Support recruiting efforts, interviewing, and staff retention initiatives as needed.
Job Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of accounting and finance experience, preferably within a CAS or outsourced accounting environment in public accounting
- Experience operating at a supervisor level with responsibility for supervising staff and owning client deliverables
- Proactive, intellectually curious professional who takes ownership, asks thoughtful questions, challenges inefficient processes, and is comfortable operating in a changing client-service environment
- Strong understanding of financial and internal controls within a GAAP‑compliant environment
- CPA certification strongly preferred, or equivalent professional finance credential and experience
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field required
- Master's degree in finance, or a related discipline, is preferred but not required
- Proficiency with accounting and financial software (QuickBooks Online, BILL, Sage Intacct, Xero, CCH Suite, etc.) or demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills, with ability to develop scalable forecasting and financial modeling tools
- Exposure to analytics or reporting platforms is a plus, particularly for candidates interested in helping evolve advisory capabilities
- Excellent analytical abilities with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple client engagements, prioritize work, and meet deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
About Councilor
At Councilor, it is our goal to hire talented, energetic people who are enthusiastic about what they do. We offer a mentorship program to encourage individuals to grow professionally and develop in their careers. Councilor offers today's accounting professionals opportunities for advancement in a fast-paced environment that allows for both professional success and work-life balance.
Councilor offers a diverse, flexible work environment, and we are proud to offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, growth opportunities, and a team-oriented environment.
Company Benefits
401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan
10 Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off
Bereavement/Jury Duty Leave
Paid Parental Leave
FSA/Dependent Care
Life Insurance
Short and Long-Term Disability
Volunteer Community Service Day
Healthcare Benefits - medical, dental, vision & other programs
Paid Parking & Metro
Subsidized Employee Wellness and Fitness Program
Mentorship Program - Project Clear Path
Professional Training & Development
Tuition Reimbursement
CPA and Other Certifications Assistance
Professional Memberships
Business Casual Work Environment
Fun Firm Activities
** Councilor is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity and inclusion **