Controller – RIA Firm (Wealth Mgmt)

Location: NYC (Midtown)

Hybrid – 4 days In Office

Compensation: Base $175k-$250k with potential for discretionary bonus

Please Note: Candidates must have prior experience in an RIA setting, specifically focused on high-net-worth client wealth management, as opposed to hedge fund or fund accounting roles

Our client is a thriving independent RIA in wealth management (UHNW) with nearly $2 billion in AUM, committed to providing tailored investment and financial planning solutions for high-net-worth clients. The firm is experiencing rapid growth, with annual expansion of 20 - 30%. To support this momentum, they are seeking an experienced Controller with a background in wealth management and financial services. This is a high-impact, individual contributor role that not only oversees financial operations but also partners closely with firm leadership to drive long-term growth, enhance operational efficiency, and scale the business for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Oversight

• Lead all aspects of the firm’s accounting (AP/AR, payroll, budgeting, cash management, tax filings, etc.) and financial reporting functions.
• Direct month-end closing of the General Ledger; prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Monitor cash flow, profitability, and expense control.
• Coordinate with external accounting vendors who perform financial reviews and due diligence analyses.
• Prepare materials for Board of Directors meetings.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Collaborate with compliance to ensure financial reporting aligns with SEC/FINRA regulatory requirements.
• Oversee internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard firm assets.
• Evaluate operational and financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the executive team on business strategy, costs optimization, profitability analysis, scenario modeling, and long-term planning.
• Provide financial insights to guide decisions on growth initiatives, acquisitions, technology investments, and hiring.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to measure and track financial and operational performance.
• · Provide insights and recommendations on scaling operations and supporting firm-wide growth.

Operations & Efficiency

· Oversee Human Resources functions, including onboarding of new hires.

• Oversee vendor management.
• Assist with the transition to and subsequent enhancement of the ERP system.

Qualifications of the Controller:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, or a similar STEM-based major.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, including at least 3 years within an RIA specifically focused on high-net-worth wealth management.
• Strong understanding of HNW wealth management RIA business models, fee structures, and regulatory environment.
• Experience within a smaller, rapidly growing firm and demonstrated success in scaling operations within approx $ 2 billion - $10 billion AUM.
• Proficiency with portfolio accounting systems, CRMs, and Microsoft Excel/Power BI.
• CPA is a plus
• Expertise in FP&A, financial modeling, budgeting, and KPI development.
• Proven ability to serve as a trusted strategic partner with the vision to think broadly about the business and its long-term growth.
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes, implement systems, and scale infrastructure in a growing firm.
• Familiarity with platforms such as Black Diamond, Addepar, Schwab, Pershing, QuickBooks, Tally, and NAV administration is a plus
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.