Job Description
Job Description
Job Title : Controller
Location : Remote (U.S.-based)
Reports to : CEO
Employment Type : Full-Time
Salary Range : $105,000 – $120,000
What You'll Do
Paragon 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 Responsibilities
Financial 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 services
Cash Flow & Budgeting
Manage 13-week cash flow forecasts across operating and trust accountsOptimize 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 liabilitiesEnsure billing is aligned with services, headcount, or pay-cycle tiersWork 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 / SheetsOptimize integrations between systems; reduce manual work through templates or toolsImplement processes that help scale - with auditability and transparencyCompliance & Controls
Ensure all payroll-related taxes are properly accounted for and reconciledCoordinate with external CPAs for filings, 280E tracking (where relevant), and year-end prepMaintain 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 environmentStrong understanding of payroll cash flow, tax fund flow, and client billing modelsExperience with isolved or similar platforms (Paychex, Paylocity, ADP, etc.)Proficient in QuickBooks Online, Excel / Google Sheets, and reporting toolsBachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA a plus but not requiredComfortable 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 smoothlyYou enjoy building processes that reduce errors and manual effortYou can explain financial concepts in simple terms, and you're not afraid to challenge inconsistenciesYou like knowing how each client relationship affects the bottom lineGrowth Path
This 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.
