Position Overview
The Controller oversees all financial and accounting operations for a DOT-regulated trolley bus tour company operating across multiple offices. This role is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, cash-flow management, regulatory compliance, payroll oversight, banking relationships, and financial systems. The Controller partners closely with senior leadership, a major national accounting firm, and outside accountants to ensure accurate reporting, strong internal controls, scalable processes, and strategic financial planning.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management, Close & Reporting
- Prepare, review, and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, as well as management reports and presentations, to support business needs and inform stakeholders.
- Lead the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring deadlines are met, accounts are reconciled, and discrepancies are resolved promptly.
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and reconciliations.
- Maintain accurate financial records
- Oversee revenue recognition for ticket sales, tours, charters, and group bookings.
- Supervise accounts payable functions to ensure timely and accurate vendor payments.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management across multiple offices.
- Develop annual budgets and financial forecasts, monitor actual performance, and provide variance analysis to support effective financial planning.
- Track financial performance against budget and provide insights to leadership.
- Provide financial analysis to support pricing decisions, route profitability, and cost-control initiatives.
Payroll & Shareholder Oversight
- Supervise payroll processing in coordination with ADP, ensuring accurate wage calculations, overtime compliance, and timely payroll execution.
- Oversee labor cost reporting, including driver pay, tips, and timekeeping accuracy.
- Manage shareholder payments and ensure compliance with shareholder agreements.
Compliance, Internal Controls & Audit Support
- Design, implement, and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulatory and financial requirements.
- Ensure compliance with DOT-related financial and recordkeeping requirements.
- Implement and maintain firmwide compliance systems and control frameworks.
- Support audit and review activities by preparing documentation and responding to auditor requests.
- Partner with outside accountants to complete the annual Accountant’s Review.
Tax, Banking & External Relationships
- Work with a major national accounting firm on annual tax return preparation.
- Serve as the primary liaison with external accountants, auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies.
- Manage banking relationships, including operating accounts, merchant services, and credit facilities.
- Ensure compliance with banking covenants and credit-agreement requirements.
Systems, Process Improvement & Automation
- Lead continuous improvement of financial systems, internal controls, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and automation initiatives.
- Oversee firmwide financial systems, integrations, and business intelligence initiatives.
- Manage and optimize accounting platforms including Xero and QuickBooks, and payroll systems including ADP.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and reporting capabilities.
- Participate in projects to streamline accounting workflows and improve data integrity across systems.
Leadership, Team Development & Strategic Partnership
- Supervise, develop, and mentor direct reports; foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
- Support team development through training, documentation, and clear SOPs.
- Provide financial analysis and insights to support key business decisions.
- Partner with senior leadership to enhance profitability, operational efficiency, and long-term planning.
- Support special projects related to fleet investments, expansion, and operational initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
- 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience; transportation, tourism, or DOT-regulated industry experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, payroll compliance, internal controls, and multi-entity accounting.
- Hands-on experience with Xero, QuickBooks, and ADP.
- Experience working with national accounting firms and external auditors.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
- Proven ability to lead teams, improve processes, and implement scalable systems.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in tour operations, motorcoach, transit, or transportation services.
- Familiarity with DOT compliance requirements impacting payroll and financial reporting.
- Experience in seasonal, multi-location, or ticket-based revenue environments.
Benefits
- Competitive salary ($100,000–$125,000 annually)
- Health, dental, vision insurance
- Paid Time Off and holidays
- 401(k) plan and company matching program
Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you served as a Controller or led the full month-end and year-end close process as the primary owner?
- Which of the following systems have you used extensively in a Controller or senior accounting role?
- Do you have hands-on experience with Zero and ADP?
Experience:
- Financial accounting: 5 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
