Hiring the Right Controller: A Proven Approach for Long-Term Success

For more than 50 years, Accountants One has been a trusted recruiting partner for businesses across the Southeast and beyond. While we specialize in placing top-tier talent from CFO to A/P Clerk, the Controller role remains our bedrock and specialty.

With hundreds of successful Controller placements and a track record of helping over 500 companies—ranging from pre-revenue startups to Fortune 500 corporations, private equity-backed firms, and nonprofits—we understand what it takes to make a high-impact hire.

At Accountants One, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to hiring. Every company is at a different stage in its lifecycle, and finding the right Controller means understanding where your business is today and where it’s headed.

Why the Right Controller Looks Different for Every Business

Hiring a Controller isn’t as simple as following a cookie-cutter job description. Your company’s growth stage determines what skills and experience matter most:‍

High-Growth Companies ‍

Need a Controller with scaling experience, process optimization skills, and the ability to implement best practices.

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Established Businesses

‍Require someone with deep technical expertise to maintain compliance, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.

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Companies in Transition

‍Need a Controller who can adapt to change, whether it’s due to mergers, acquisitions, or leadership shifts.

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Before we begin a search, we take the time to assess your company’s current position and future goals. This strategic approach ensures we align the right talent with your business needs.

The Power of Personality and Cultural Fit

The most critical component of a successful hire isn’t just technical ability—it’s personality and culture fit.

A talented professional can learn new software or industry nuances, but EQ, leadership style, and workplace attitude are ingrained by the time someone reaches the Controller level.

"Finding the right Controller isn’t just about skills—it’s about fit. That’s why our team takes the time to visit your office, understand your culture, and get to know your leadership style before we even begin the search. The right cultural match ensures a seamless transition, stronger team dynamics, and long-term success for your business," says Brent Harris, Managing Director of Accountants One.

By focusing on work styles, motivators, and leadership alignment, we ensure that our placements aren’t just qualified but also highly compatible with your team. This is why our top two sources of business are repeat clients and referrals—testament to the trust and long-term partnerships we build.

The Value of a Strategic Hiring Partner

Hiring a Controller is a high-stakes decision. A mis-hire can be costly—impacting your bottom line, team morale, and productivity. The time and effort required to source, vet, and interview top-tier candidates can strain internal resources.

That’s where Accountants One comes in.

With our extensive network, industry knowledge, and proven track record, we help businesses:

• Save time by streamlining the hiring process
• Reduce risk by identifying top-tier, well-vetted candidates
• Ensure long-term success with hires that match both skills and company culture

We’ve spent decades perfecting the art of Controller hiring—let us put that expertise to work for you.

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