Part-Time Controller / Principal Accountant (Individual Contributor)

Location: Remote — United States Time Commitment: 10–15 hours per week (under 20 hours) Type: Part-time (W-2 or 1099) Reports to: Founder / Principal No direct reports About the Role This role is for an experienced accounting professional who is comfortable operating at a high standard with minimal oversight. You will provide senior-level accounting judgment for a portfolio of small-to-mid-size businesses. The work is analytical, client-facing, and accountability-driven. This is not a task execution role and not a development opportunity. It is designed for someone who already brings sound judgment, professional confidence, and clarity of thinking to their work. The position is intentionally part-time and outcome-focused. Core Responsibilities • Independently review monthly financials and identify material risks or inaccuracies • Anticipate accounting, tax, payroll, and compliance issues before they surface • Make professional judgment calls and clearly explain the reasoning behind them • Address incomplete or poorly maintained records efficiently and decisively • Participate in scheduled Zoom meetings with clients to discuss findings and recommendations • Train client accounting staff on proper standards, controls, and expectations • Establish and reinforce clear accounting discipline with client teams • Communicate directly, precisely, and without unnecessary escalation Expectations Success in this role requires the ability to: • Work independently with incomplete information • Distinguish between immaterial noise and real risk • Hold firm standards without creating friction • Correct errors without defensiveness or delay • Represent the firm credibly in client conversations • Maintain consistency and judgment across multiple clients Who This Role Is For This role is best suited for someone who: • Has served in a Controller, Audit Manager, or equivalent senior role • Has experience in environments where accuracy and accountability mattered • Is comfortable setting standards and correcting others’ work • Can train experienced adults • Prefers individual responsibility over managing teams • Is seeking focused, senior-level work under 20 hours per week Requirements • 8+ years of progressive accounting experience • Prior senior review or controller responsibility • Strong command of U.S. GAAP and related compliance • CPA strongly preferred • Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment Compensation • Competitive hourly rate or monthly retainer • Priced for senior-level accountability and judgment How to Apply Please submit a resume and respond briefly to the following: Describe a situation where you identified a serious accounting or compliance issue others missed and had to explain it directly to a client. What was your reasoning, and what was the outcome? Concise, thoughtful responses are preferred. Final Note This role requires professional maturity, independent judgment, and a high standard of work, delivered within a limited time commitment. If this describes how you prefer to operate, we would welcome your application. • Please note you must complete all assessments within 48 hours of applying to be considered for interview. Job Type: Part-time Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour Benefits: • 401(k) • 401(k) matching • Paid time off Application Question(s): • Have you worked in public accounting in the past? • Have you worked in remotely in the past? Education: • Bachelor's (Required) Experience: • Accounting and Quickbooks: 5 years (Required) Shift availability: • Day Shift (Required) Work Location: Remote Apply tot his job