Engagement Manager – Controller

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for the following:

1. Providing interim controllership coverage for clients, overseeing end to end financial reporting and close activities, ensuring integrity of the general ledger and compliance with applicable accounting standards, leading AI-enabled process and control improvements, and acting as a trusted advisor to client leadership.
2. Educating and coaching managers and finance teams, managing cross-functional and geo-specific operations, and representing the company in client and internal meetings to support high-quality, timely, and accurate financial operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Interim Controllership & Oversight

• Act as interim or fractional Controller for client organizations, assuming full responsibility for controllership functions during engagement periods.
• Oversee financial close, financial reporting, and balance sheet and P&L integrity.
• Monitor key financial metrics and provide timely analysis and commentary to client leadership.

AI Transformation & Process Improvement

• Lead or support AI and automation initiatives focused on streamlining accounting and controllership processes (e.g., close, reconciliations, AP/AR, reporting).
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce manual effort, and improve data quality and visibility.
• Collaborate with technology and operations teams to implement process changes with a strong customer and end-user perspective.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a credible leader with experience managing diverse teams, processes, and initiatives across multiple locations.
• Manage cross-functional and cross-geo communication to ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Represent the company and function in client and internal meetings, clearly articulating issues, solutions, and recommendations.

Risk Management & Controls

• Assess and manage financial and operational risks related to controllership, reporting, and compliance.
• Evaluate and enhance internal controls over financial reporting and transaction processing.
• Ensure consistent application of accounting policies and procedures and adherence to US GAAP and/or local standards, as applicable.

Education, Training, and Coaching

• Provide education and training to managers and finance staff on financial controls, policies, systems, and best practices.
• Coach client teams on how to interpret financial results, manage risks, and improve process maturity.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for complex accounting and controllership issues.

Project-Based Engagement Management

• Work on project-based assignments within the AGO environment, including transitions, process migrations, system implementations, and stabilization phases.
• Define scope, deliverables, timelines, and resource needs for controllership-related projects.
• Track progress, manage risks and issues, and provide status updates to internal and client stakeholders.

Global / Multinational Collaboration

• Coordinate with both local and US-based teams, ensuring alignment with US client expectations, standards, and timelines.
• Navigate cultural and time zone differences effectively, maintaining strong communication and collaboration.
• Support multinational or complex organizational structures, including multi-entity, multi-currency, and consolidated reporting where applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS: MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
• 10–20 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, including:
• At least 2–3 years of experience in a Controller or equivalent senior controllership role.
• Experience in a multinational organization or large corporate environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong, high-caliber Philippines-based controllership experience will also be considered.
• Prior experience in a large accounting firm and/or shared services/BPO/outsourcing setup is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing complex processes, and driving cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience working with US-based clients, US GAAP, and US reporting requirements strongly preferred.
• Willing to work a night shift: 1:00 AM–10:00 AM, Tuesday to Saturday.

TECHNICAL AND OTHER SKILLS:

• Strong command of accounting principles and standards (US GAAP; familiarity with IFRS/PFRS an advantage).
• Solid experience managing monthly, quarterly, and annual close for mid- to large-sized organizations.
• Hands-on experience with internal controls, risk assessment, and remediation (including SOX-like frameworks).
• Proficiency in major ERP/financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to analyze financial statements, KPIs, and operational metrics and convert them into clear, actionable insights.
• Proven track record in leading and developing accounting/finance teams, including remote and cross-border teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including presenting complex financial concepts to non-finance leaders.
• Experience driving process improvements and change initiatives, including technology- or AI-enabled finance transformations.
• Flexibility to work on project-based assignments with both PH- and US-based teams, including some US time zones overlap.