US Controller (South Africa)

Location: South Africa (100% Remote) Employment Type: Full-time Independent Contractor (exclusive commitment)

About the Job
Help build world-class accounting departments for growing US companies. As a Controller, you will oversee accounting operations, lead a team, strengthen GAAP compliance, drive month-end accuracy, and ensure executives receive clean, timely financial data they can trust.

You will supervise accounting staff, improve processes, resolve complex accounting issues, and serve as a strategic finance partner — bringing clarity, structure, discipline, and insight to leadership teams.

This role blends technical accounting expertise, people leadership, process improvement, and client advisory. Note: Full-time independent contractor role. Exclusive commitment required.

About the Role
You will own financial oversight, quality control, and review responsibilities across multiple client engagements while coaching accounting teams and improving reporting workflows.

Expect to lead and elevate accounting delivery — not just “do the books.”

What You’ll Do
Financial Reporting & GAAP Compliance
• Supervise and review month-end close, reconciliations, and financial statements
• Ensure accuracy, documentation quality, and audit-ready workpapers
• Apply GAAP to increasingly complex accounting areas
• Research and resolve technical accounting issues; document conclusions
• Maintain internal controls, workflows, and checklists
Team Leadership & Coaching
• Train, mentor, and oversee accounting staff
• Delegate work and monitor timelines, quality, and utilization
• Provide structured performance feedback and development plans
• Support onboarding and serve as a technical resource to the team
Client Management & Communication
• Participate in client meetings; present financial results and insights
• Manage expectations and communicate proactively on deadlines and issues
• Translate financials into practical business recommendations
• Strengthen client relationships and support year‑round communication
Operational Excellence
• Manage workflow, schedules, and deadlines across multiple engagements
• Improve processes, templates, and automation in accounting systems
• Ensure team productivity and efficient delivery
• Identify risks, report on variances, and recommend corrective actions
Strategic Finance Support
• Develop budgets, cash flow oversight, and forecasts as assigned
• Identify opportunities to strengthen client finance operations
• Assist in special projects (system migrations, audits, cleanup projects)
What You’ll Bring
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years US accounting experience with supervisory responsibilities
• Strong US GAAP understanding and ability to interpret and apply standards
• Hands‑on experience reviewing monthly close and financial statements
• Advanced Excel/Google Sheets; cloud‑accounting fluency (QBO/Xero)
• Excellent written and verbal English communication
• Strong problem‑solving and documentation discipline
• Ability to work US business hours
• Construction, nonprofit, government contracting, or project accounting experience
• Experience leading distributed teams
The Ideal Candidate
• Operates with ownership, humility, and accountability
• Can lead a team while remaining hands‑on and detail‑oriented
• Knows when to escalat​e and when to independently solve issues
• Confident presenting financial data and recommendations to executives
• Process‑driven, disciplined, and thrives on continuous improvement
• High integrity and a service‑first mindset
Compensation & Perks
• Monthly pay in USD based on experience
• Permanent WFH setup; equipment provided
• 15 PTO days annually + public holidays
• Work with US companies across diverse industries
• Training, learning access, and growth opportunities
Contract & Exclusivity
Full‑time independent contractor based in South Africa. Exclusive arrangement — no freelance or part‑time work permitted.
How We Work
• Quality‑first, documentation‑focused culture
• Secure tools, MFA, and structured workflows
• Daily collaboration via Slack/Zoom/Teams
• Standardized processes, review cycles, and accountability
Application Process
• Application & Prescreening
• Skills & Aptitude Assessment
• Profile and Pre‑interview Preparation
• Client Inte