Controller

Bustle Digital Group is seeking an experienced Controller to join our growing Finance team! This position is responsible for ensuring the integrity of Bustle Digital Group accounting by providing process knowledge, technical expertise, and reporting leadership with a strong desire to improve processes and controls. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the advertising industry, particularly from a revenue standpoint, and experience in leading high-performing teams including Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) functions.

The candidate must be a leader with strong management capabilities, an ability to communicate effectively with both finance and non-finance personnel, and a passion for building and improving teams. The Controller will be expected to provide guidance and mentorship to their team, ensuring they operate at best-in-class standards. This role requires attention to detail, strong organization, and excellent communication skills, with a focus on process improvement and operational excellence. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and is skilled at finding the most cost-effective solutions to challenges while maintaining a positive attitude under pressure.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the month-end close process, preparing financial statements, and handling advanced reconciliations, while working with business stakeholders and the accounting team to reduce the number of days to close.
• Lead the annual financial audit and preparation of support for audited financial statements.
• Review account reconciliations and journal entries for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with GAAP; prepare variance analyses and ensure accounting activities are well supported and documented.
• Assist with the implementation and development of accounting policies, ensuring alignment with industry standards.
• Spearhead accounting system implementations and/or improvements.
• Lead the Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) teams, driving best practices and ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all transactions.  Set up and implement best-in-class AR and AP processes, ensuring operational efficiency and scalability.
• Manage the accounting team, providing mentorship and guidance while helping them excel and grow in their roles.
• Provide Investor Reporting as requested, ensuring alignment with company goals and financial performance.
• Prepare debt compliance packages for lenders.
• Maintain and oversee tax compliance and reporting, including federal and state tax filings in conjunction with registered agents.
• Provide support on Advertising Sales reporting and commission tracking, ensuring seamless integration between finance and sales teams.
• Solve complex problems and contribute to process improvement initiatives within the department and company.
• Maintain a positive, can-do attitude under pressure, navigating challenges in a fast-paced and ever-evolving media landscape.
• Other ad-hoc projects as necessary.

Requirements:

• CPA with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or similar.
• 10-15 years’ experience, with a blend of public accounting firm and private industry experience.
• Media industry and/or start-up experience preferred, with a solid understanding of advertising revenue models and revenue recognition.
• Experience reviewing multiple-element arrangement revenue contracts in addition to vendor contracts.
• Proven experience in managing AR and AP teams, setting up best-in-class processes, systems and ensuring effective execution.
• Strong technical accounting skills, specifically in revenue recognition, complex transactions, and stock-based compensation.
• NetSuite experience is a plus.
• Detail-oriented and organized team player with the ability to take a new perspective using existing solutions.
• Proactive attitude with the ability to identify issues and collaborate with the team to find solutions.
• Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to innovate and solve complex business and technical issues.
• Resilient and positive under pressure, particularly in the fast-paced and constantly changing media industry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface clearly and concisely with all levels of executive leadership.
• Experience in driving process improvements and creating operational efficiencies within the finance function.

BDG is a leading independent media company with a diverse portfolio of respected publications, including Bustle, Nylon, W, and Inverse. We combine the best of traditional and digital media, creating engaging content that captivates over 115 million readers each month. Our business thrives on data-driven insights that power content monetization, advertising, and affiliate sales.