Director of Finance/Controller

Aquarius Sports & Entertainment
Remote | Full-Time | Finance & Operations

Aquarius Sports & Entertainment is seeking a strategic, hands-on finance leader to own the financial infrastructure of an award-winning, sports marketing agency operating at the intersection of sports, entertainment, media, partnerships, and brand engagement.

This role is ideal for a finance professional who wants more than traditional accounting responsibilities; someone who will help drive business performance, guide leadership decision-making, and build scalable financial processes in a dynamic agency environment.

You will work directly with executive leadership, manage full-cycle accounting operations, support major client partnerships and sponsorship programs, and help shape the financial strategy for agency growth. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy building structure, and want meaningful ownership in a growing organization, this role is for you.

This role operates as the sole financial and accounting resource for the organization, independently managing all accounting and financial operations without dedicated departmental support.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently own and execute all full-cycle accounting operations, including general ledger management, account reconciliations, and financial close processes
• Solely lead and complete month-end and year-end close activities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness without additional accounting staff support
• Prepare and deliver complete and accurate financial statements and reporting packages for leadership decision-making
• Establish, maintain, and monitor financial controls, compliance procedures, and documentation standards on an independent basis
• Independently manage organizational cash flow, liquidity monitoring, and financial forecasting, providing strategic financial visibility to leadership

Client & Revenue Financial Management

• Oversee client billing, revenue recognition, and project-based accounting
• Track agency revenue streams, partnership agreements, and campaign budgets
• Monitor marketing and activation spend across clients
• Support contract and sponsorship financial tracking

Accounts Payable & Vendor Management

• Manage vendor payments, media buys, and operational expenses
• Maintain vendor relationships, contracts, and payment schedules
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies

Payroll Administration & Multi-State Compliance

• Independently administer and fully process bi-monthly payroll from start to finish, including payroll setup, earnings calculations, deductions, benefit integrations, tax withholdings, payroll review, funding, and final submission
• Manage all post-payroll activities, including tax filings, reconciliations, reporting, and payroll record maintenance
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations across multiple jurisdictions
• Establish and maintain required state employer accounts, including State Unemployment Insurance (SUI), withholding tax registrations, and applicable state and local sales tax accounts, supporting operations in multiple states due to the organization’s remote workforce model
• Coordinate payroll reporting requirements and serve as primary internal contact for payroll-related compliance matters

Strategic Finance & Growth Support

• Delivering financial insights to executive leadership
• Support budgeting and long-term planning
• Identify cost efficiencies and process improvements
• Help build scalable financial infrastructure as the agency grows

What Makes This Role Different

• Direct hands-on input on the financial stability and growth of the organization
• Opportunity to build and improve financial systems
• Exposure to sports partnerships, sponsorships, and major campaigns
• High ownership and autonomy
• Ability to shape finance strategy at a growing agency
• Fast decision-making environment with real impact
• Offers a strong balance of autonomy, flexibility and collaboration; a successful candidate will take ownership of their work while contributing meaningfully to a team

Who You Are

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of accounting or finance experience with direct hands-on full charge bookkeeping and overall FP&A skills
• Strong knowledge of GAAP
• Experience with accounting platforms and financial systems, specifically QuickBooks online
• Specific experience in handling monthly payroll and accounting entries as they relate
• Advanced Excel or Google Sheets proficiency
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Preferred

• Agency, sports marketing, media, or event-based accounting experience
• Experience with sponsorship or partnership revenue models
• Project-based or client services accounting experience
• Experience supporting growing or entrepreneurial organizations

Success Traits

• Strong financial judgment and business mindset
• Process builder and problem solver
• Comfortable in fast-moving environments
• High ownership and accountability
• Collaborative communicator
• Confidential and trustworthy

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan options
• Paid time off and holidays
• Remote work flexibility
• Opportunity to work in the sports and entertainment industry

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Work from home

Work Location: Remote