At BELAY, we are a team of impossibly talented, endlessly passionate, and uncomfortably generous people, united by a common denominator: We live to serve. We focus on our clients' needs, and help them grow there businesses!
These roles are open to candidates in U.S. Eastern or Central Time Zones.
We are looking for Controllers to serve as trusted advisors and fractional Controllers for our small- to mid-sized business clients. They act as strategic partners, aligning financial services with client goals for growth, profitability, and compliance. By combining technical expertise with business insight, they guide owners through financial decision-making while collaborating closely with internal accounting team members to deliver high-quality financial support.
Our Controllers are professional, detail-focused, and adaptable to evolving technologies and business needs. They proactively identify opportunities for improvement, connect clients with additional resources, and deliver consistent, high-quality service. Internally, they contribute to process improvements, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence to support both client success and firm-wide growth.
As a BELAY Controller, you will professionally represent the company in all virtual and in-person interactions. You are expected to exemplify our mission, vision, and core values daily, fostering a collaborative and positive team environment.
Client Relationship Management
Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for clients, leading financial review calls
Serve as a key resource for complex client accounting matters and provide guidance on accounting decisions raised by both clients and internal accounting team members
Provide proactive insight by identifying risks, opportunities, and compliance considerations to support client growth
Monitor client engagement health and identify opportunities for additional support, resources, or services as appropriate
Partner cross-functionally to ensure client needs are met with professionalism and timeliness
Client Team Collaboration & Oversight
Partner closely with Senior Accountants, Staff Accountants, Bookkeepers, and alongside CFOs to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality client deliverables
Provide accounting guidance and subject matter expertise related to complex client needs and financial matters
Support workflow coordination and prioritization in partnership with leadership
Contribute to a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented team environment
Share knowledge, best practices, and process improvements to support overall team effectiveness
Operational & Strategic Contributions
Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency while maintaining compliance
Contribute to internal training resources, process documentation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives
Participate in internal initiatives that support strategic goals and evolving client needs
Stay informed on industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve client service delivery
Minimum Qualifications
This role requires a motivated and trustworthy self-starter with strong communication and technological skills, who thrives independently and as part of a team, and is willing to roll up their sleeves to get the job done! Our ideal Controller is flexible, creative, well-organized and will conduct relational and efficient coaching at all times.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business
6–8 years of progressive accounting experience
Strong Controller-level expertise, including explaining financial statements, interpreting KPIs and understanding forecasts and budgets
Expertise in financial close processes and best practices
Proficiency with accounting and business platforms (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Fathom, Shopify, Cin7, Amazon)
Experience advising small businesses in industries such as inventory-based retail/e-commerce, creative/project-based companies, or technology startups
Familiarity with accounting and tax methodology, as well as small business economic trends.
Demonstrated ability to manage utilization, staffing, and profitability
Strong leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to inspire high-performing teams
Track record of delivering exceptional client service and strategic guidance to small businesses and startups
Working Conditions
BELAY is a remote-first organization. This role requires a dedicated home office, regular use of virtual collaboration tools, and a work schedule that aligns with business needs and BELAY's core collaboration hours. Occasional travel or flexibility outside standard business hours may be required based on the role.
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
Frequent participation in virtual meetings.
Ability to communicate effectively through video conferencing, email, and phone.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Direct Reports
None
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change from time to time based on business needs, and team members may be assigned additional duties as needed.
Legal Disclosures
Pay Range: $75,000-$90,000 annually
Starting Pay Range: $75,000
Other Types of Pay: None
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are available to eligible employees. BELAY covers 70% of employee premiums and 65% of dependent premiums for medical, and 70% of employee premiums for dental and vision. Company-paid life insurance ($15,000 coverage) and short-term/long-term disability coverage (STD: 60% of weekly earnings up to $1,500; LTD: 60% of monthly earnings up to $10,000) are provided at no cost to full-time employees.
Retirement Benefits: 401(k) plan through Vanguard, with a 4% employer discretionary match. Employees are eligible after 90 days of employment.
Paid Time Off: Full-time (40 hr/week) employees receive 15 days of PTO annually; full-time (30 hr/week) employees receive 12 days. Additional PTO is awarded at 3- and 5-year tenure milestones.
Paid Holidays: 12 paid holidays annually (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and one floating holiday of the employee’s choosing).
Paid Sick Leave: Full-time employees’ PTO accrual generally satisfies state and local paid sick leave requirements in the states where BELAY hires. BELAY follows all state specific requirements.