Fractional COO / Controller

Scope of Work

The Fractional COO / Controller will provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership support to help stabilize, strengthen, and scale the organization's finance and operational functions. 5-10 hours per week.

Services may include, but are not limited to, the following areas as needed:

Financial Leadership and Oversight

• Oversight of day-to-day accounting and finance operations
• Review, interpretation, and validation of monthly financial statements, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting
• Oversight of month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis
• Cash flow management, working capital analysis, and liquidity planning
• Review of general ledger activity, journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals
• Oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and treasury functions
• Support with tax preparation, audit readiness, and coordination with external CPA partners

Process Improvement and Internal Controls

• Assessment and improvement of accounting workflows, documentation, and departmental procedures
• Identification of operational gaps, inefficiencies, and financial risks
• Development, implementation, and reinforcement of internal controls
• Review and optimization of approval workflows, delegation of authority, and segregation of duties
• Oversight of process documentation and knowledge transfer initiatives
• Support in creating standardized month-end and year-end close checklists

Team Leadership and Organizational Development

• Coaching, mentoring, and development of finance personnel
• Clarification of roles, responsibilities, priorities, and performance expectations
• Support with onboarding, training, and integration of new finance personnel, including contractors or permanent hires
• Succession planning and cross-training recommendations

Strategic Business and Operational Support

• Strategic business and operational consulting to executive leadership
• Operational efficiency reviews and identification of scalability opportunities
• Advisory support related to organizational growth, acquisitions, integrations, or restructuring initiatives
• Review of capital expenditure requests and ROI analysis

Banking, Vendor, and External Relationship Management

• Oversight of banking relationships, treasury management, and cash controls in partnership with Accounting Manager and Interim COO
• Review of lending agreements, covenant compliance, and financing opportunities
• Support with insurance, audit, legal, and regulatory financial matters
• Oversight of key vendor payment processes to ensure continuity of business operations
• Support in maintaining strong relationships with clients, vendors, financial institutions, and external advisors

Executive Partnership and Governance

• Participation in leadership, shareholder, and strategic planning meetings, as requested
• General financial and operational guidance to the CEO, President, and leadership team
• Identification of emerging risks, business continuity concerns, and organizational priorities
• Support with special projects, investigations, transition planning, or organizational change initiatives

Transition and Stabilization Priorities

During the initial phase of engagement, emphasis may be placed on:

• Stabilizing accounting operations and restoring confidence in financial reporting
• Reviewing outstanding reconciliations, aging reports, and unresolved accounting issues
• Assessing documentation gaps and institutional knowledge risks
• Supporting leadership transitions within the Accounting department
• Establishing clear reporting cadence and communication with executive leadership
• Prioritizing business continuity across banking, payroll, utilities, vendor payments, and financial compliance