Controller

Controller

Location: Sarasota, FL (Onsite)

Travel Requirement: Approximately 25%

Reports To: Director of Finance & Accounting

Compensation: $160,000 - 180,000/yearly

Overview

Ceres Environmental Services, Inc. is hiring a Controller with strong technical accounting and auditreadiness background to support financial reporting and compliance across its affiliate companies. This critical role will focus on creating consistency across a growing and complex multientity environment. As the technical accounting subjectmatter expert, you will ensure U.S. GAAP compliance, audit preparedness, and the effective application of accounting policies.

The Controller will report to the Director of Finance & Accounting and work closely with the CFO to enhance accounting discipline, improve audit readiness and outcomes, and elevate the overall quality of financial reporting. This position is based in Sarasota, FL, and requires up to 25% travel, both domestically and internationally.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Accounting & GAAP Compliance

• Serve as a subject matter expert on U.S. GAAP across affiliate companies.
• Research, interpret, and apply accounting guidance for complex and non-routine transactions.
• Prepare and review technical accounting memoranda to support conclusions and ensure audit defensibility.
• Promote consistent accounting treatment across entities, investments and the broader enterprise.

Audit Readiness & External Reporting Support

• Lead audit planning, preparation and documentation efforts to ensure timely and efficient audits.
• Partner with external auditors in coordination with appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Evaluate audit findings, drive remediation efforts, and ensure issues are fully resolved.
• Ensure delivery of clean, accurate, and well-supported financial statements.

Financial Close Oversight

• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and key accounting estimates.
• Support consolidation activities and oversee intercompany accounting and eliminations.

Internal Controls & Accounting Policies

• Design, implement, and maintain strong internal controls across financial processes.
• Develop, document and enforce accounting policies and standard operating procedures.
• Support internal control testing, identify deficiencies and lead remediation initiatives.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Partner with Finance, IT, and operations to automate and optimize ERP functionality and streamline close processes.
• Improve audit trails and documentation standards to increase efficiency and reduce risk.

Cross-Functional & Leadership Support

• Provide technical accounting guidance to finance and operations teams.
• Mentor and support accounting staff, contributing to capability building and professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• CPA
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP.
• Experience supporting external audits.
• Advanced ERP and Excel proficiency.
• Ability to travel approximately up to 25%, both domestic and international.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public accounting background (Big 4 or national firm preferred).
• Experience in construction, infrastructure, or asset-intensive industries.
• Experience in multi-entity environments.

Why Ceres?

Ceres offers a unique opportunity to operate in a complex, high-impact environment where technical accounting rigor and audit excellence are critical. This role provides direct exposure to senior leadership and meaningful influence over financial reporting quality.

Ceres Environmental Services, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Ceres does not sponsor employmentbased visas for this position unless stated otherwise.

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.