Controller

The family office (FO) is an expanding investment firm based in the picturesque coastal town of Fairhope, Alabama. The family and the firm's leadership have an extensive history of entrepreneurial success, both building and investing directly and indirectly in businesses and real estate. The firm is growth-oriented, long-term focused, and cares deeply about its impact on the people and families across its ecosystem. The FO is a small, collaborative environment where individuals wear multiple hats, are highly adaptable, and are passionate about building businesses, often requiring a willingness to take on diverse responsibilities and contribute to the overall vision beyond just their specific role.

The FO is seeking a Controller to manage financial operations, help facilitate tax strategies, and oversee administrative duties for the family office. This position also includes managing fund accounting and administration for investment vehicles. Reporting directly to the family's leadership, the Controller will lead efforts to ensure robust accounting and tax reporting, a strong compliance environment, and effective risk management.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management

·       Coordinate all financial management and accounting functions, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis to support effective decision-making.

·       Monitor financial performance against established targets and provide regular reports to FO leadership.

·       Ensure compliance with accounting principles and regulations while maintaining accurate and timely financial records.

·       Regularly review and optimize administrative workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the day-to-day operations of the FO.

·       Source and implement a comprehensive accounting system for use across all investment entities.

·       Manage administrative accounting functions including bill pay, expense reporting, payroll, and benefit administration.

Tax Planning and Strategy

·       Collaborate with external tax advisors and accountants in identifying tax-saving opportunities and implementing tax strategies that align with the family office’s financial goals.

·       Communicate directly with family members and internal accounting team to obtain documents and compile tax workpapers for use in third-party tax return preparation.

·       Oversee the external preparation process and ensure timely filing of all federal, state, and local tax returns for the family and related entities.

·       Manage and resolve any tax-related issues or audits and cooperate with tax authorities to ensure timely and efficient resolutions.

·       Collaborate with external tax advisors to navigate tax laws, regulations, and compliance.

Investment Fund Accounting and Administration

·       Coordinate with legal team to establish investment LLCs and open bank accounts.

·       Ensure the proper documentation of ownership stakes and capital contributions for all LLC members, maintaining clear and accurate records for future reference.

·       Oversee fund administration activities including investment tracking, reporting, and reconciliations.

·       Manage all cash movements between various accounts associated with the FO and its related entities, ensuring each transaction is recorded accurately and documented properly (e.g., loan documents).

·       Foster relationships with service providers and third-party administrators (e.g., Trident), custodians, and financial institutions to ensure efficient operations.

·       Maintain and foster a strong relationship with investment partners, particularly as it relates to financial operations and administrative functions.

Risk Management

·       Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks by implementing controls and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard the family's capital and financial assets.

·       Develop and implement systems for tracking, auditing, and monitoring all cash movements to enhance transparency and accountability within the family office.

·       Establish regular audit schedules and compliance checks to verify the accuracy of financial transactions and ensure adherence to established risk management protocols.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each key responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

·       Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial management, accounting, and fund administration, preferably within a family office or relevant financial institution.

·       Expertise in tax planning and an understanding of advanced tax strategies.

·       Strong understanding of accounting principles, tax regulations, and financial reporting standards.

·       Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with family members, external advisors, and the broader team.

·       Analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize complex financial data into actionable insights.

·       Strategic mindset with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and mitigating risks.

·       Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

·       Experience using QuickBooks, or other general ledger system, and Addepar preferred.

·       CPA designation preferred.

Job Type: Full-Time, In-Person; office located in Fairhope, AL