Managing Controller & Client Liaison

About Crew Finance
We are the financial backbone for startups in Consumer, Technology, and SaaS — some of the brightest emerging brands navigating the chaos of high growth. Based in Santa Monica with crewmates spread coast to coast, we don't just keep the books. We help founders make sense of their numbers, build financial infrastructure that scales, and stay focused on what matters most: the business.
Our work is fractional by design. You'll never be siloed on a single client — you'll be navigating a fleet, bringing the same high standards to every set of financials you touch.
The Role
The Managing Controller & Client Liaison is a senior fractional Controller who combines client excellence with accountable people leadership.
In addition to managing a portfolio of client relationships, the Managing Controller & Client Liaison leads and develops a small team (“pod”) of Controllers and Accounting Staff. This role ensures high-quality client delivery, strong team performance, sustainable capacity management, and clear accountability within the pod.
Managing Controller & Client Liaison are critical to Crew’s operating model. They translate firm standards into consistent client execution while building genuine trust, clarity, and development pathways for their team members.
What You'll Own & Improve
Client Leadership & Delivery
Serve as lead Controller for a portfolio of client engagements
Ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality financial reporting
Oversee month-end close processes and technical accounting matters
Partner with founders/CEOs to provide financial insight and clarity
Identify risks early and escalate appropriately
Maintain strong client relationships and uphold Crew’s brand standards
People Management
Managing Controller & Client Liaison are expected to operate as true people leaders, not simply senior reviewers.
Work toward genuine connection and trust within the pod
Lead by example by exemplifying Crew’s values and professional maturity
Help team members balance workload with meaningful learning opportunities
Foster a culture of accountability, curiosity, and support
Capacity & Staffing Management
Partner with firm leadership to:
Allocate work across pod members appropriately
Ensure expertise aligns with client needs (e.g., SaaS vs. CPG vs. services)
Maintain sustainable utilization levels
Flag bandwidth risks early
Advocate for team members when workload or fit concerns arise
Quality Control & Standards
Review work product from pod members to ensure accuracy and consistency through the internal audit process review
Maintain adherence to Crew’s accounting and reporting standards
Identify training needs within the pod
Ensure onboarding curves are supported appropriately for newer team members
Communication & Escalation
Act as the first point of escalation for client or team issues within the pod
Ensure client experience issues on pod-managed accounts are owned and addressed within the pod while providing visibility to firm leadership
What You Bring
CPA required — this is a non-negotiable for a role built on accounting precision
10+ years of progressive accounting experience in a client services, outsourced accounting, or professional services environment
Deep technical knowledge: US GAAP, revenue recognition, COGS, inventory, costing — you're the one colleagues call when they're stuck
Comfortable with QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Bill.com, Gusto, and Shopify (or willing to learn quickly)
Experience with startup businesses — you understand the startup accounting lifecycle and how fast things can change
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) experience is required — many of our clients are in this world
Strong communicator — you can translate accounting complexity into plain language for a founder who didn't go to business school
Able to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously without dropping the anchor
High ownership mentality: if something's broken, you fix it; if something's unclear, you clarify it
Why Crew
Working fractionally means you'll never be bored. You'll encounter a wide range of industries, business models, and accounting challenges — and you'll build expertise faster than you would in any single-client role.
We care deeply about doing the work right. That's why this role exists. And we're building the kind of firm where quality isn't just a checkbox — it's the whole point.
If you're ready to bring your accounting expertise to a team that takes the craft seriously, we'd love to talk.

Work arrangement
No