Financial Controller

Job Title: Controller

Location: Troy, MI
Reports To: President
Department: Finance & Accounting

FSLA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial health, accuracy, and integrity of Brainspring’s accounting and financial operations. This role ensures timely and accurate financial reporting, maintains strong internal controls, supports strategic decision-making, and helps scale financial systems to support Brainspring’s continued growth across professional development, tutoring services, product sales, and digital platform initiatives.

The Controller plays a critical leadership role in ensuring financial clarity, operational efficiency, and fiscal discipline while supporting Brainspring’s mission to improve literacy outcomes for educators and students nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and complete general ledger and financial records across both Brainspring business units (Learning Centers and Educator Academy)



• Prepare and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)



• Lead the monthly close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance



• Develop and maintain financial reporting dashboards aligned with EOS scorecards



• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts



• Provide financial analysis and insights to support executive decision-making

Accounting Operations

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and revenue recognition



• Ensure accurate reconciliation of bank accounts, credit cards, merchant accounts, and payment platforms



• Manage accounting for multiple revenue streams, including:
  
  
  
  
  
  • Professional development and training services
  
  
  
  • E-commerce product sales
  
  
  
  • Learning Center tutoring services
  
  
  
  • Subscription and digital platform revenue
  
  
  



• Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules



• Ensure proper expense categorization and cost allocation across departments



• Contractor and employee payroll

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and financial policies



• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable tax and regulatory requirements



• Coordinate with the external CPA firm on annual financial review, tax preparation, and filings



• Support audit preparation and documentation as required



• Ensure sales tax compliance across e-commerce and multi-state operations

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process in coordination withthe leadership team



• Develop rolling forecasts and cash flow projections



• Provide financial modeling to support strategic initiatives, new product launches, and expansion plans



• Support pricing analysis, margin analysis, and profitability tracking by product, service, and business unit

Systems & Process Optimization

• Maintain and optimize accounting systems (currently Sage Intacct, ecommerce integrations, CRM integrations, etc.)



• Improve financial workflows, automation, and reporting efficiency



• Support integration of financial systems across e-commerce, CRM, learning management systems, and future digital platforms



• Develop scalable processes to support organizational growth

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a financial advisor tothe leadership team



• Support department leaders with financial reporting and budget accountability



• Contribute to operational planning and strategic initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance



• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience



• 3+ years in a senior accounting role (Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, or Controller)



• Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting principles



• Experience managing the full accounting cycle and financial reporting



• Experience with accounting software (Sage Intacct strongly preferred)



• Advanced Excel skills



• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities



• close attention to detail and accuracy

Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, tablets or any other device necessary to meet the needs of the department.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms, and requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies up to 20 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position.

Travel:
Not required

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Why Join Brainspring

Brainspring is a national leader in structured literacy training and intervention, helping educators and students achieve measurable reading success. As Controller, you will play a critical role in supporting the financial foundation of a mission-driven organization poised for growth, including expansion of digital platforms, national partnerships, and innovative literacy solutions.