The Controller serves as the senior accounting leader of the agency, owning the integrity of financial records, the accuracy of client billing, and the efficiency of day-to-day accounting operations. Reporting to the CFO, this role partners closely with agency leadership to support strategic financial decisions while ensuring full compliance with GAAP, federal regulations, and Virginia state law. The ideal candidate brings agency or professional-services experience and thrives in a fast-moving creative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Close & Reporting

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process; deliver timely and accurate financial statements to the CFO and timely submission to corporate accounting for consolidation.
• Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts; ensure all entries are properly documented and reconciled
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, variance analyses, and management reports
• Support the CFO in preparation of board-level financial packages and forecasts

Client Billing & Project Accounting

• Oversee agency billing cycles, ensuring revenue is recognized in accordance with contract terms
• Partner with account and project management teams to track project budgets, fee burn, and profitability by client and engagement
• Manage work-in-progress (WIP) and unbilled receivables; escalate collection issues proactively
• Maintain accurate cost tracking for time, vendor pass-throughs, and production expenses

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Supervise AP and AR functions; ensure vendors and subcontractors are paid accurately and on time
• Monitor aging reports and manage client collections in collaboration with account teams
• Review and approve expense reports in accordance with agency policy
• Coordinate annual 1099 filings in accordance with IRS guidelines

Payroll & Compliance

• Oversee semi-monthly or bi-weekly payroll processing in coordination with HR; ensure accuracy and timely delivery
• Maintain compliance with all federal, Virginia, and local payroll tax requirements, including Forms W-2, 940, 941, and VA-6 delete this
• Partner with HR on benefits reconciliation, 401(k) contributions, and year-end reporting

Treasury & Cash Management

• Monitor daily cash position and prepare rolling cash flow forecasts
• Manage bank relationships, account reconciliations, and wire/ACH authorization processes
• Recommend and implement cash management improvements

Budgeting & Forecasting Support

• Assist the CFO in the annual budgeting process; coordinate submissions from department heads
• Maintain budget-vs-actual reporting and provide actionable variance commentary
• Model scenarios to support new business pricing and strategic planning

Audit, Tax & Internal Controls

• Serve as liaison for external auditors and tax advisors; coordinate year-end audit and tax filings
• Ensure timely preparation of all federal, state, and local tax filings, including Virginia corporate income tax
• Design, implement, and maintain internal controls appropriate for a 60-person agency
• Identify control gaps and recommend process improvements

Systems & Team Leadership

• Manage and develop accounting staff (AP/AR coordinator, staff accountant, or similar depending on org structure)
• Serve as the functional administrator for accounting; lead system improvements and integrations with project management tools
• Champion automation and process efficiency across financial operations

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA license or active CPA candidacy strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a Controller or senior accounting role
• Demonstrated experience in a professional services, agency, or project-based billing environment
• Experience managing payroll, tax compliance, and year-end audit processes
• Proficiency with accounting software (NetSuite, QuickBooks Online, or comparable ERP)
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective communicator—able to translate financial data for non-finance audiences

Preferred

• Experience in a creative, marketing, or media agency
• Familiarity with project management platforms

Equal Employment Opportunity

WHITE64 is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or Virginia law, including the Virginia Human Rights Act. We are committed to a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination and harassment.