Controller (Full-Time) - Portland, OR

Bring your accounting expertise to a business built on creativity.

About Straub Collaborative

Behind every great product image is a team that brings it to life. Straub Collaborative is a creative production studio specializing in e-commerce photography and visual content. Our work brings together creative talent, production expertise, and the business operations that keep it all moving. We value collaboration, high-quality work, and an inclusive workplace.

About the Role

You know what a well-run accounting function looks like: a close that lands on time, numbers leadership can trust, and a team that understands both the work and the reason behind it. As our Controller, you will take ownership of that function for Straub Collaborative and its affiliated entities.

Reporting directly to the CFO, you will lead a small accounting team, stay close to the details, and turn your ideas for better processes into practical improvements. Your work will give the CFO reliable financial information to guide company strategy and profitability. If you enjoy building confidence in the numbers and helping people grow, this role gives you room to do both.

Why This Role

Own the accounting function. Lead the close, reporting, controls, and daily accounting operations rather than just one piece of the process. Work directly with the CFO, with clear responsibility for day-to-day decisions. Shape better workflows and systems, develop your team, and bring financial clarity to a business where creative production and operational discipline work together.

What You'll Do

- Lead a close leadership can count on. Own the monthly close and deliver accurate, timely financial statements, management reports, and variance analysis for CFO review.
- Keep the financial picture clear. Maintain the rolling cash forecast and annual budget.
- Record payroll journal entries each pay period and reconcile payroll-related liability accounts.
- Review and approve journal entries and account reconciliations prepared by the accounting team.
- Oversee day-to-day accounting processes and internal controls, including vendor setup, vendor payments, corporate card transactions, and expense reports, within limits established by the CFO.
- Lead day-to-day audit fieldwork and serve as the primary contact for external auditors.
- Connect the numbers across entities. Manage accounting for affiliated entities under CFO oversight, with consistent policies and intercompany processes.
- Develop a team you can depend on. Supervise and mentor accounting staff, set priorities, and provide regular feedback. Partner with the CFO and Human Resources on hiring and performance matters.
- Make the work better. Lead accounting system implementations and workflow improvements, and recommend changes to policies, controls, processes, and systems.
- Provide backup support during team absences or peak periods, and perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

Required

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
- At least five years of progressive accounting experience, including at least two to three years as a controller, assistant controller, or accounting manager.
- Strong working knowledge of GAAP, month-end and year-end close, and internal control frameworks.
- Hands-on experience with accounts payable, account reconciliations, payroll journal entries, and payroll-related liability reconciliations.
- Experience directly supervising accounting staff and coaching junior team members.
- Proficiency with an accounting or ERP system and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to meet recurring deadlines.
- Sound judgment and discretion with confidential financial information.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial data to non-finance leaders.
- A track record of improving accounting workflows and working independently while remaining accountable to the CFO.

Preferred

- CPA license or active CPA candidacy.
- Multi-entity, subsidiary, or cross-border accounting experience.
- Experience with corporate card and expense management platforms.
- Experience leading or coordinating external financial audits.
- Background in ecommerce, retail, media or production, or creative services.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a typical office environment with regular computer use, standard office equipment, and collaboration through video calls and shared digital tools.

Physical Requirements

Work involves prolonged desk and computer use, operating standard office equipment, reading detailed financial information, and communicating in person and remotely. Occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and lifting or moving office supplies up to 15 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions.

Additional Requirements

This position is expected to work in office at our Portland (PDX) studio. Recurring deadlines, including monthly close, may require extended hours during peak periods. Collaboration with ownership and leadership across multiple time zones, including international locations, requires some early-morning or late-day availability.

Compensation and Benefits

- Medical, with both PPO and high-deductible health plan options.
- Dental coverage and vision coverage.
- 11 paid holidays per year.
- PTO accrual starting at 15 days per year.
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
- Company-paid basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
- Company-paid long-term disability insurance.
- Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to employees and their households.
- Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, plus an HSA option for eligible employees enrolled in the high-deductible health plan.
- Pre-tax commuter benefits and access to discounted voluntary pet insurance.

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan terms.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Straub Collaborative is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodations

Straub Collaborative provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources.