Advisory & CFO ecosystem
Outsourced controller services — GAAP close, internal controls, audit prep
An outsourced controller owns the accuracy of your financials so the CFO can focus on strategy and you can focus on the business. Get senior accounting leadership at 20–40% of the full-time cost.
Get help with QuickBooks, bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, controller support, and CFO advisory from professionals who understand your business needs.
Scope
What an outsourced controller owns
A controller sits between the bookkeeper and the CFO. They own GAAP accuracy, internal controls, and the financial close calendar.
- Monthly close in 10 business days with variance commentary
- Chart of accounts, accounting policy, GAAP compliance
- Internal controls: segregation of duties, approval workflows
- Audit prep, PBC list management, auditor liaison
- KPI dashboard and management reporting package
- Treasury — bank, AP, AR oversight
When to hire
Five signals you need a controller
If you're a bookkeeper-only shop with revenue over $2M, you've already outgrown the staffing. These signals make the case explicit.
- Lenders or investors require GAAP-basis financials
- First audit or review on the horizon
- Multi-entity or multi-state structure
- Monthly close takes longer than 15 business days
- CFO needs cleaner data to do strategic work
Need help with bookkeeping, QuickBooks, tax, or CFO support?
Tell us what service you need and where your business is located.
FAQ
Common questions
What's the difference between a controller and a CFO?
A controller owns the accuracy of the financials: GAAP close, internal controls, audit prep. A CFO owns the strategy: forecasting, fundraising, M&A, capital structure. Most companies need a controller first.
How much does an outsourced controller cost?
Outsourced controller retainers run $2,500–$8,000/month based on revenue, entity count, and complexity. A full-time controller costs $130K–$200K all-in.
Do I need both a controller and a bookkeeper?
Yes. The bookkeeper records transactions and reconciles accounts. The controller reviews the bookkeeper's work, ensures GAAP compliance, and produces the management reporting package.
Need accounting, bookkeeping, tax, or CFO support?
CPAZenith helps businesses connect with accounting professionals for QuickBooks setup, bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, fractional CFO services, outsourced controller support, and industry-specific accounting.
Tell us what service you need and where your business is located.
Get matched with a controller
Tell us about your situation in 90 seconds. We'll match you with up to 3 verified providers — free, no obligation.
Get matched
Request a consultation for Outsourced controller services — GAAP close, internal controls, audit prep
Share a few details — a vetted CPA will reach out within one business day.
Advisor-grade guides
Downloadable ebooks & templates
CPA-ready playbooks and templates you can use today — instant downloads, no signup required.
The Small Business Tax & Profit Playbook
A CPA-ready guide to deductions, quarterly taxes, S-Corp strategy, owner pay, cash flow, and year-round tax planning.
Business Tax Deduction Checklist
A CPA-curated checklist of 80+ business deductions most owners miss — organized by category so you can sweep it before filing.
The Definitive Bookkeeping Cleanup & Recovery Guide
The CPA's step-by-step playbook for diagnosing messy books, reconstructing missing history, and restoring a clean, audit-ready ledger.
The Freelancer Tax Guide
The practical tax playbook for freelancers, contractors, and solo creatives — deductions, quarterly estimates, and self-employment strategies.
The Year-End Tax Planning Guide
The CPA's December playbook — practical strategies to reduce your tax bill before the year closes.
The Premium Bookkeeping Template Pack
Automated dashboards, multi-account reconciliations, and CPA-ready reporting workbooks for serious owners and bookkeepers.
Tax & Bookkeeping Resource Library
Our complete advisor-grade collection — every premium asset an owner needs to run clean books, lower taxes, and recover messy ledgers, in one bundle.