Controller

Location: Multi-State (Remote with occasional travel to Houston Based day cares)

Office space will be assigned for use as needed. Will need to work in office at least 2 to 3 days a week.

Reports To: Owner / CEO/ VP

Type: Full-Time

We are seeking a highly disciplined, operationally focused Controller to oversee financial performance across 10 childcare centers located in multiple states, with plans to scale to 20 locations or more.

This is NOT a passive accounting role.

The Controller will serve as the financial backbone of the organization, working closely with ownership, outsourced bookkeeping/CPA, internal support staff.

Proven experience managing finances for multi-location operations (10+ locations)

Strong background in operational finance (not just accounting/bookkeeping)

Experience leading financial reviews with non-financial managers (e.g., Directors, GMs)

Demonstrated ability to hold teams accountable

Experience working with outsourced accounting teams and CPAs

Comfortable working in a high-accountability, performance-driven environment

1. Financial Oversight & Accuracy

Oversee all financial operations across 10+ locations

Review and validate financials prepared by outsourced bookkeeping team

Ensure:

Accurate P&Ls by location

Proper expense categorization

Clean reconciliations

Identify and correct inconsistencies or errors

2. Weekly Financial Reporting & KPI Management

Develop and maintain a weekly financial reporting system, including:

Core KPIs:

Enrollment vs capacity

Tuition billed vs collected (collection rate)

Labor % of revenue

Weekly expenses vs budget

Cash flow position

Outstanding receivables

Center-level profitability

Provide clear, actionable reports to ownership weekly

3. Center-Level Financial Accountability

Conduct weekly or bi-weekly financial reviews with Directors or Regional Leaders

Hold Directors accountable for:

Labor management

Expense control

Tuition collection performance

Identify underperforming locations and implement corrective action plans

4. Cash Flow & Financial Health Management

Monitor daily and weekly cash position

Forecast short-term and long-term cash needs

Identify financial risks early

Recommend cost control or revenue improvement strategies

5. Expense Monitoring & Controls

Oversee financial activity tracking system (VA + Google Sheets + Monday.com)

Review flagged transactions:

Missing receipts

Unusual expenses

Duplicate charges

Ensure financial discipline across all locations

6. Collaboration with CPA & External Partners

Serve as primary liaison with CPA

Provide clean, accurate financials for tax preparation

Support tax strategy discussions

Ensure timely and accurate filings

7. Team Leadership (Scaling Responsibility)

Oversee:

Financial Activity Coordinator (VA)

Future internal bookkeepers

Train and manage team as organization grows

SUCCESS METRICS (KPIs FOR THIS ROLE)

Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting

Reduction in financial errors and discrepancies

Improved collection rates

Controlled labor % across centers

Reduced unnecessary expenses

Improved profitability by location

Consistent, high-quality financial insights

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

7+ years in accounting/finance, with Controller-level experience preferred

Proven experience with multi-location businesses

Strong understanding of:

P&L management

Cash flow analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Experience working with:

QuickBooks or similar systems

Outsourced accounting firms

External CPAs

Advanced Excel / Google Sheets skills

PERSONAL TRAITS (CRITICAL FOR SUCCESS)

Highly disciplined and detail-oriented

Strong communicator (clear, direct, and professional)

Not afraid to challenge leadership or operations

Results-driven and accountable

Organized and process-focused

Proactive problem-solver

60-DAY PROBATIONARY PERIOD

This role includes a 60-day performance probation period.

During this period, the Controller must demonstrate:

Clear understanding of financial systems and structure

Ability to identify key financial issues across centers

Establishment of weekly reporting cadence

Initial engagement with Directors and leadership team

Strong communication and follow-through

Continuation in the role is contingent upon successful performance during this period.