Chamberlain Advisors · 20 hours ago
Corporate Controller - PE-backed Fiber Network Provider
Indianapolis, IN
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
5+ years expChamberlain Advisors is a rapidly growing, Private Equity backed Fiber Network Provider seeking a hands-on, forward-thinking Controller. The role involves modernizing the accounting function, driving efficiency across workflows, and shaping the accounting foundation of a company poised for significant growth.
Staffing & Recruiting
Responsibilities
Lead & Rebuild the Accounting Function
Stand up a disciplined, GAAP-compliant month-end close process, moving the organization from a modified cash basis to full accrual accounting
Establish a close calendar and reduce the close timeline from the current 10–15 business days to a long-term target of ~5 business days
Build, refine, and enforce best-practice processes across reconciliations, accruals, prepaids, revenue recognition, capitalization rules, and other core accounting activities
Identify and remediate all non-GAAP policies—e.g., incorrect revenue recognition, missing accruals, lack of prepaids, improper capitalization, and unamortized commissions
Optimize Accounting Operations (AP/AR/GL)
Assess and modernize all accounting operations workflows, including AP, invoice processing, cash application, and vendor management
Transition the business away from manual workflows (e.g., hand-signed checks, manual deposits) to automated, scalable processes such as lockbox implementation, electronic approvals, and improved internal controls
Ensure accurate, timely processing of invoices, payments, and accounting entries, creating a strong foundation for operational excellence
Capex / CIP Accounting Ownership
Lead CIP tracking and reporting across the full project life cycle—construction --> in-service --> depreciation
Maintain accurate cost accumulation at the project level and translate results into high-level reporting for executives and investors (e.g., allocation between new passings and new subscribers)
Partner closely with the Director of Cost Accounting to ensure accurate Capex accounting and alignment with grant or regulatory requirements
ERP Ownership (NetSuite Preferred)
Serve as the functional owner of the ERP environment (NetSuite strongly preferred), including GL configuration, chart-of-accounts structure, module setup, and maximizing out-of-the-box reporting tools
Improve system utilization to support a faster close, stronger internal controls, and scalable reporting without requiring IT or external consultants for basic enhancements
Financial Reporting, Analysis & Compliance
Produce accurate monthly financial statements, accounting close packages, and variance analysis with clear narratives on trends, risks, anomalies, and operational insights
Support board reporting and investor-level financial discussions by providing high-quality analysis that goes beyond simply delivering numbers
Lead lender reporting, covenant calculations, cash-flow visibility, and compliance reporting in partnership with the CFO
Proactively flag liquidity considerations, covenant risks, or borrowing capacity issues
People Leadership & Team Elevation
Mentor, develop, and elevate a team that includes general ledger accountants, AP staff, and a cost accounting function
Provide structure, coaching, and accountability to a team that has historically lacked process leadership
Build trust and strong working relationships with remote team members; ensure performance expectations, policies, and procedures are uniformly adopted
Cross-Functional Partnership & Continuous Improvement
Build relationships with functional leaders across operations, construction, engineering, and finance to ensure alignment on spending, trends, and cost accountability
Establish foundational reporting that enables better operational forecasting, vendor spend analysis, and bottoms-up budgeting support
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that streamline workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, strengthen data integrity, and improve decision-making across the organization
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
CPA strongly preferred; candidates without a CPA must demonstrate CPA-level technical GAAP accounting competency through public accounting experience or complex industry work
Strong foundation in GAAP with the ability to identify and correct non-GAAP practices
Experience with ASC 606, ASC 842, capitalization standards, debt modification/extinguishment, and deferred financing fee amortization
Prior experience transitioning a business from modified cash to accrual accounting is strongly preferred
NetSuite experience preferred; mid-market ERP ownership required
Demonstrated ability to configure GL, COA, and modules, and to maximize native reporting capabilities
Telecom, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), broadband, wireline, cable, or telecom-adjacent construction experience is required or strongly preferred. Adjacent consideration may include engineering or utility infrastructure firms with heavy Capex and project-based accounting
Experience in harvest-mode environments (low Capex, steady-state subscriber maintenance) is less relevant
Hands-on leadership in month-end close, reconciliations, AP/AR operations, and accounting policy development
Experience building or significantly improving accounting processes in fast-growing environments
Strong Capex/CIP accounting experience, including project-level cost tracking and full life-cycle accounting
Proven ability to coach, develop, and elevate accounting staff, including remote employees
Must be comfortable holding team members accountable and managing difficult conversations
Strong communication skills, capable of explaining financial results in context of operations, risk, and business impact
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, PE-backed environment—even without frequent direct PE interaction
Ideally located in the Midwest (IN/IL/MI preferred) and/or the ability to travel to Indianapolis on a monthly basis
Willingness to travel approximately once per month for leadership, team development, and onsite collaboration
Prior experience in organizations undergoing rapid growth or major process transformation is highly preferred
Benefits
Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
PTO policy
Paid holidays
401(k)
Additional rewards
Company
Chamberlain Advisors
Chamberlain is a talent acquisition firm for organizations that seek human capital differentiation.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Brad Thomas
Managing Partner, Executive Search
Company data provided by crunchbase