Senior Virtual Assistant Controller & Financial Operations Lead – Remote Accounting Services Team Lead – Driving Financial Excellence, Automation, and Strategic Growth at brighthush

About brighthush

brighthush is a trailblazing financial services firm that blends cutting‑edge cloud technology with a people‑first culture. We empower businesses— from startups to Fortune 500s— to unlock clarity, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Our global footprint spans multiple continents, and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into every aspect of our operations. At brighthush, we believe that the future of finance is collaborative, data‑driven, and relentlessly innovative.

Why This Role Matters

As the Senior Virtual Assistant Controller & Financial Operations Lead, you will be the linchpin that connects strategic financial vision with day‑to‑day execution. You will guide a high‑performing remote team, shape processes that scale across geographies, and deliver impeccable financial insights to our clients. Your leadership will directly influence the quality of our service, the growth trajectory of our clients, and the evolution of brighthush’s technology stack.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Lead a Remote Team of 2–4 Bill Pay Specialists and Bookkeepers, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Oversee the complete financial close cycle for a portfolio of clients, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery of financial statements.
• Collaborate with the Controller to define project scopes, timelines, and resource allocations for all financial initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on financial matters, translating complex data into actionable insights.
• Design and implement automation workflows using QBO, Xero, Zapier, Power Automate, and other cloud tools to reduce manual effort and increase data integrity.
• Develop and maintain client‑specific SOPs, training manuals, and workflow diagrams that enable consistency and scalability.
• Champion process improvement projects that enhance reporting quality, reduce cycle times, and elevate client satisfaction.
• Provide technical training and mentorship to team members, ensuring they stay current with best practices and emerging technologies.
• Act as a liaison between the finance team, technology partners, and senior leadership, ensuring alignment on strategy and execution.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the finance operations function, reporting trends, risks, and opportunities to senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Review & Quality Assurance: Conduct meticulous reviews of financial statements, supporting work papers, and client deliverables to ensure compliance with GAAP, internal policies, and client expectations.
• Project Management: Partner with the Controller to set realistic deadlines, allocate resources, and monitor progress on all financial projects.
• Client Collaboration: Engage with clients to gather necessary data, clarify reporting requirements, and provide proactive guidance on financial best practices.
• Reporting Enhancement: Identify additional reporting needs, design custom templates, and automate recurring reports using QBO, Xero, or other accounting platforms.
• Team Leadership & Development: Supervise, coach, and develop a small remote team, providing performance feedback and career development plans.
• Process Documentation: Create and maintain SOPs, training manuals, and workflow diagrams to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Onboarding & Training: Lead new hire onboarding, deliver technical training sessions, and facilitate knowledge transfer across the team.
• Problem Solving & Escalation: Resolve day‑to‑day operational issues, escalating only when necessary to maintain project momentum.
• Software Support: Provide guidance on the use of accounting software, troubleshoot issues, and recommend enhancements to improve efficiency.
• Communication & Reporting: Maintain regular communication with the Controller, senior leadership, and clients to provide status updates, risk assessments, and strategic insights.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in public accounting (CPA certification not required but highly valued).
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online (QBO) and/or Xero, with a track record of building and maintaining complex financial workflows.
• Strong background in financial reporting, including the preparation of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Deep understanding of the 1099 reporting process, from data collection to final submission.
• Demonstrated success in preparing and presenting accounting deliverables to clients and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights.
• Experience in leading and mentoring teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Strong technical training capabilities, including the ability to create engaging learning materials and conduct effective workshops.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud‑based accounting solutions beyond QBO and Xero, such as NetSuite or Sage Intacct.
• Familiarity with automation tools (Zapier, Integromat, Power Automate) to streamline data flows.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g., SOX, GDPR) and how they impact financial reporting.
• Previous exposure to client onboarding and engagement strategies in a remote or hybrid setting.
• Experience working with diverse, cross‑functional teams across multiple time zones.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Project Management & Prioritization
• Team Leadership & Coaching
• Process Improvement & Automation
• Client Relationship Management
• Adaptability & Resilience in Remote Work Environments
• Strong Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Basic understanding of data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, we view professional development as a shared journey. In this role, you will:

• Progress into senior leadership roles such as Senior Controller or Director of Finance within 2–3 years.
• Participate in cross‑functional projects that expose you to technology, strategy, and operations.
• Access a curated library of online courses, certifications, and workshops covering advanced accounting, data analytics, and leadership.
• Receive mentorship from senior executives who champion your career aspirations.
• Contribute to innovation initiatives that shape the future of accounting technology.

Work Environment & Culture at brighthush

Our remote‑first culture is built on trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to excellence. You’ll enjoy:

• Flexible work hours that accommodate different time zones and personal commitments.
• Regular virtual team gatherings, hackathons, and wellness sessions to foster connection and well‑being.
• A culture of continuous feedback where ideas are valued and implemented.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art collaboration tools (Slack, Zoom, Miro) that keep the team aligned and productive.
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back through our Community Impact Program, supporting veterans, underrepresented groups, and local charities.

Compensation & Benefits

While the exact salary will be commensurate with experience and market benchmarks, you can expect:

• Competitive base salary with performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company match and profit‑sharing options.
• Paid holidays, sick leave, and paid parental leave.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work from anywhere in the U.S.
• Professional development stipend and tuition reimbursement.
• Employee assistance program and mental health resources.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to elevate your career, lead a high‑performing team, and help clients achieve financial excellence, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio or case studies through our careers portal.