Controller

Colorfuel•Minneapolis, MN

6d•$115,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At CESO, we partner with school districts and organizations to build systems that are operationally strong, financially sustainable, and people-centered. We’re looking for an experienced Finance Controller to serve as a trusted financial partner to our clients, providing controller-level support, insight, and guidance across multiple organizations. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, client interaction, and translating complex financial information into clear, actionable guidance. What You’ll Do As a Finance Controller, you’ll act as an outsourced or fractional controller for multiple CESO clients. You’ll oversee financial reporting, support budgeting and forecasting, and provide strategic financial guidance tailored to each client’s needs. You’ll work closely with client leadership teams while collaborating internally to deliver consistent, high-quality financial support.

Requirements

Client-focused, approachable, and consultative in your communication style
Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple clients or projects at once
Detail-oriented but able to zoom out and see the bigger financial picture
Confident explaining financial concepts to non-finance audiences
Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
5+ years of accounting or finance experience, including controller-level responsibilities
Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards
Proficiency with accounting systems and financial software
Advanced Excel skills required
Must successfully complete a background and reference check

Nice To Haves

CPA or CMA preferred
Experience providing outsourced, advisory, or consulting financial services strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary controller-level contact for assigned clients
Oversee and review clients’ accounting functions, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and best practices
Review monthly financial statements and supporting schedules for completeness and accuracy
Ensure clients’ financial processes align with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements
Partner with client leadership to develop annual budgets and ongoing forecasts
Analyze financial performance, trends, and variances, and present insights in a clear, client-friendly way
Provide proactive financial guidance to support operational and strategic decision-making
Assist clients with long-term financial planning and scenario analysis
Assess client financial processes and internal controls, recommending improvements as needed
Support audit preparation and serve as a liaison between clients and external auditors when applicable
Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and compliance across client engagements
Build strong, trusted relationships with client stakeholders
Communicate clearly and professionally via email, meetings, and virtual platforms
Collaborate internally with CESO team members to ensure consistent service delivery
Balance multiple client needs while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality
Contribute to the development of standardized tools, templates, and best practices for client financial services
Support onboarding of new clients and transition of financial responsibilities
Perform other related duties as assigned