Accountant/Controller
New York Metro Area · Full-Time · Hybrid
About the Firm
Liggett, Melzer & Joshi CPAs PC is a full-service public accounting firm serving small and mid-sized businesses, and entrepreneurs throughout the New York metropolitan area. We partner with our clients as trusted advisors — going beyond compliance to deliver strategic financial insight that drives growth. As our advisory practice continues to expand, we are adding a full-time CFO/Controller to our team to serve a growing portfolio of clients across multiple industries.
Position Overview
This is a full-time, client-facing role embedded within our advisory practice. You will serve as an outsourced Accountant/Controller for a portfolio of our business clients simultaneously, providing high-level financial leadership alongside hands-on accounting work. The ideal candidate is a seasoned accounting professional who can shift fluidly between strategic advisory and detailed transactional work, and who is comfortable managing multiple client relationships independently. This role is well-suited for a CPA, former Controller, or senior accounting professional ready to take on a high-impact, client-service role within a growing firm environment. This is a hybrid position, with a combination of remote work and in-person time at the firm's office and client locations across the NY metro area.
Key Responsibilities
Controllership & Accounting Operations
- Manage the full monthly, quarterly and annual close process for assigned clients, including journal entries, accruals, prepaid amortization, and depreciation schedules
- Perform and review bank, credit card, loan, and balance sheet account reconciliations
- Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts in QuickBooks Online (QBO) and other client-specific platforms
- Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement)
- Process and review payroll journal entries; coordinate with payroll providers (Gusto, ADP, Paychex)
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and client-specific reporting requirements
- Coordinate year-end close and provide workpapers to support tax return preparation
- Work with other accounting team members and oversee assignments to other staff
CFO-Level Advisory
- Develop and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts and 12-month financial projections
- Build and present financial models and management reports tailored to each client's business
- Identify financial trends, variances, and risks; present actionable recommendations to business owners
- Assist clients with budgeting and annual planning processes
- Liaise with external CPAs, attorneys, bankers, and investors on behalf of clients as needed
Client Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary financial point of contact for assigned clients
- Conduct regular financial review meetings (monthly or quarterly) with business owners and leadership teams
- Onboard new clients: assess current accounting state, clean up books as needed, and implement standardized processes
Qualifications
Required
- 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including at least 2 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting role
- Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks Online (QBO); QBO ProAdvisor certification strongly preferred
- Deep expertise in journal entries, month-end close, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation
- Strong understanding of GAAP and accrual-basis accounting
- Experience managing the books for multiple entities or clients simultaneously
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, financial modeling) and Google Sheets
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present financials to business owners without accounting backgrounds
- High degree of professionalism, discretion, and client service orientation
Preferred
- CPA license (active or inactive) or an accounting professional with experience
- Experience in a public accounting firm or outsourced accounting/CFO services environment
- Familiarity with additional accounting platforms: Xero, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, FreshBooks, or Gusto
- Background in one or more of our core client industries: real estate, professional services, e-commerce, nonprofit, or construction
- Knowledge of NY state and NYC sales tax, payroll tax, and business filing requirements
- Technologically savvy and open to learning new tools coming onto the market
- Experience supporting clients through audits, reviews, or compilations
Competencies
- Self-directed with strong time management; able to prioritize across multiple clients and deadlines without close supervision
- Systems thinker who can identify inefficiencies and implement better processes
- High attention to detail balanced with the ability to see the strategic picture
- Collaborative and team-oriented; comfortable working alongside tax staff and partners
- Adaptable to different industries, business sizes, and accounting environments
Compensation & Benefits
- Type: Full-Time, W-2 Employee
- Schedule: Monday–Friday; hybrid (combination of in-office, remote, and client site as needed)
- Salary: $90,000 – $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with firm contribution
- Paid time off and firm holidays
- CPA license and CPE reimbursement
- Access to firm technology stack and professional development resources
- Clear path for growth as the firm's advisory practice expands
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to info@lmjcpas.com with the subject line “CFO/Controller – [Your Name]”. LMJ CPAs is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.