Controller - Remote US

Job Title: ControllerLocation:Remote (U.S.-based)Reports to: CEOEmployment Type: Full-TimeSalary Range: $105,000 – $120,000What You'll DoParagon Payroll is a fast-growing, remote-first payroll bureau and certified isolved partner, serving clients in high-compliance industries including cannabis. We are seeking a Controller with deep experience in payroll services or the PEO/bureau space to own our financial operations, enhance cash control, and drive margin visibility across our book of business.This role is ideal for someone who has worked inside a payroll bureau, PEO, or HCM platform provider, understands how to manage client billing, tax payment flows, and vendor obligations - and thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment. Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Management & Reporting• Oversee all accounting operations: client billing, A/R, A/P, general ledger, tax filings, and month-end close• Produce accurate financial statements and internal dashboards• Track client profitability and identify margin leakage in servicesCash Flow & Budgeting• Manage 13-week cash flow forecasts across operating and trust accounts• Optimize client funds flow (e.g., tax payments, payroll funding, fee collections)• Maintain detailed visibility into burn, collections, and vendor disbursementsPayroll Bureau Operations (Core Focus)• Own the financial oversight of payroll tax collections, remittances, and liabilities• Ensure billing is aligned with services, headcount, or pay-cycle tiers• Work closely with isolved and operations team to track revenue per client and handle exceptions (e.g., one-offs, credits, or off-cycle bills)• Coordinate payroll-related audits, reconciliations, and journal entriesSystems & Automation• Manage financial systems including QuickBooks Online, isolved, Excel/Sheets• Optimize integrations between systems; reduce manual work through templates or tools• Implement processes that help scale - with auditability and transparencyCompliance & Controls• Ensure all payroll-related taxes are properly accounted for and reconciled• Coordinate with external CPAs for filings, 280E tracking (where relevant), and year-end prep• Maintain and improve internal controls and documentationRequired Qualifications• 5+ years of experience in an accounting or controller role within a payroll bureau, PEO, ASO, or similar environment• Strong understanding of payroll cash flow, tax fund flow, and client billing models• Experience with isolved or similar platforms (Paychex, Paylocity, ADP, etc.)• Proficient in QuickBooks Online, Excel/bolthires Sheets, and reporting tools• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA a plus but not required• Comfortable working independently in a remote environment and reporting to a founder/CEOKey Competencies• You thrive in the back-office engine room - making sure numbers are accurate and systems run smoothly• You enjoy building processes that reduce errors and manual effort• You can explain financial concepts in simple terms, and you're not afraid to challenge inconsistencies• You like knowing how each client relationship affects the bottom lineGrowth PathThis is a key operational role with a direct path to VP of Finance or CFO as the company scales and reaches greater profitability.You'll be a foundational part of Paragon's next stage of growth. Apply tot his job