We are looking for a strategic and hands-on Controller to lead the financial operations of a growing advertising agency in Santa Monica, California. This position will work closely with executive leadership to strengthen financial visibility, support business planning, and maintain accurate, timely reporting across the organization. The ideal candidate brings strong accounting expertise, project-based financial management experience, and the ability to balance day-to-day execution with long-term financial guidance. Please submit your resume to Eric Herndon for confidential consideration. Responsibilities:• Direct core accounting operations across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, the general ledger, and the monthly close process.• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports that are accurate, timely, and aligned with applicable accounting standards.• Oversee project-based financial activity by tracking budgets, evaluating margins, monitoring billable utilization, and applying appropriate revenue recognition practices.• Examine client agreements to confirm billing terms, financial commitments, and contractual requirements are properly managed.• Lead the annual budget process, recurring forecasts, cash planning, and financial modeling to support leadership decision-making.• Track outstanding receivables, support collection efforts, and help maintain healthy cash flow across the business.• Build and refine client budgets, pricing approaches, indirect rate structures, and profitability measurements.• Maintain compliance with tax obligations, audit expectations, and financial terms outlined in client contracts.• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, strengthen internal controls, and improve the efficiency of financial processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. • At least 7 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial leadership roles. • Demonstrated success with project accounting in an advertising, marketing, service-based, or government contracting setting. • Strong understanding of contract review, client billing structures, and financial compliance requirements. • Solid background in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow oversight, and financial statement preparation. • Advanced Excel capabilities; experience with Clients & Profits is an advantage. • Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills. • Proficiency with general ledger management and financial document preparation.

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app" target="_blank">Download the Robert Half app</a> and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. Robert Half will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit <a href="https://roberthalf.gobenefits.net/" target="_blank">roberthalf.gobenefits.net</a> for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy">Privacy Notice</a>.

Santa Monica, CA
onsite
Permanent / Full Time
150000 - 175000 USD / Yearly
We are looking for a strategic and hands-on Controller to lead the financial operations of a growing advertising agency in Santa Monica, California. This position will work closely with executive leadership to strengthen financial visibility, support business planning, and maintain accurate, timely reporting across the organization. The ideal candidate brings strong accounting expertise, project-based financial management experience, and the ability to balance day-to-day execution with long-term financial guidance. Please submit your resume to Eric Herndon for confidential consideration. Responsibilities:• Direct core accounting operations across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, the general ledger, and the monthly close process.• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports that are accurate, timely, and aligned with applicable accounting standards.• Oversee project-based financial activity by tracking budgets, evaluating margins, monitoring billable utilization, and applying appropriate revenue recognition practices.• Examine client agreements to confirm billing terms, financial commitments, and contractual requirements are properly managed.• Lead the annual budget process, recurring forecasts, cash planning, and financial modeling to support leadership decision-making.• Track outstanding receivables, support collection efforts, and help maintain healthy cash flow across the business.• Build and refine client budgets, pricing approaches, indirect rate structures, and profitability measurements.• Maintain compliance with tax obligations, audit expectations, and financial terms outlined in client contracts.• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, strengthen internal controls, and improve the efficiency of financial processes.
2026-09-03T00:00:00Z