VP of Finance and Controller

ZG Subpoena Solutions (ZGSS) is a closely-knit team of dedicated professionals working collaboratively to design implement and manage customized solutions for business processes such as legal process compliance and third-party requests for access to user data. Our clients rely on us to tackle this critical yet non-revenue-generating work allowing our clients to focus on providing their customers with outstanding products and services.

We love working here because we like standing at the intersection of user data and law enforcement demands. We are driven to provide better service each and every day and we genuinely like being part of a team at the center of the action. Our business has expanded rapidly over the past few years and we are eager to capitalize on our continued growth and position as the leader in legal process response solutions.

We are seeking a VP Finance & Controller to serve as the companys first senior finance leader after a carveout from a founder-led organization. This role combines hands-on controllership and accounting ownership with select forward-looking financial responsibilities including budgeting forecasting and performance analysis.

This is a pivotal role for a finance leader who thrives in high-growth hands-on environments and wants broad ownership across accounting planning and financial decision support. The role requires comfort operating in ambiguity and building structure where processes and systems are still evolving.

Company Overview

As a private equity-backed organization in a critical growth phase we are focused on scaling responsibly improving margins and building the financial foundation required to support future growth and potential liquidity events.

The VP Finance & Controller will play a central role in establishing financial discipline improving visibility into performance and supporting value creation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Controllership

• Own and execute all core accounting and controllership responsibilities including designing and formalizing processes as needed with direct involvement in the month-end close

• Lead the monthly quarterly and annual financial close processes ensuring GAAP compliance and accuracy in all financial statements

• Complete cash to accrual conversions and the creation of supporting schedules

• Validate the existence of assets and prepare associated roll forwards

• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations (intercompany inventory cash prepaids etc.)

• Oversee and execute accounting compliance including tax forms sales tax exemptions 1099s etc. while also contributing to the preparation of financial statements and the development of internal controls and policies

• Prepare comprehensive financial reports for executive leadership board members and private equity sponsors

• Oversee general ledger operations maintain chart of accounts and review journal entries for accuracy

• Coordinate external audits and manage relationships with auditors and tax advisors

• Oversee cash flow management banking relationships and capital planning

Process Systems & Infrastructure Build-Out

• Design document and implement more advanced core finance and accounting processes where limited or rudimentary formal processes exist today

• Reduce reliance on manual workflows and disconnected spreadsheets by introducing scalable repeatable processes

• Own evaluation implementation and optimization of finance and accounting systems (including billing time tracking and general ledger integrations)

• Partner cross-functionally to improve data flow between operational systems and financial reporting

• Establish controls documentation and operating cadence appropriate for a growing private equity-backed business

Financial Planning & Performance Management

• Partner with leadership to develop annual budgets and periodic forecasts

• Perform variance analysis and explain financial results versus plan

• Build and maintain lightweight financial models and reporting appropriate for the companys stage

• Support pricing cost management and margin improvement initiatives through financial analysis

• Provide scenario analysis to support growth and operational decision-making

Strategic Finance & Private Equity Support

• Prepare clear decision-oriented financial materials for executive leadership and the Board of Directors including the private equity sponsors

• Support M&A activities including financial diligence integration planning and post-acquisition accounting

• Act as a financial thought partner to the CEO and leadership team on key initiatives

Compliance & Risk Management

• Own compliance with federal state and local tax regulations

• Maintain adherence to GAAP standards and internal accounting policies

Required Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or related field required

• CPA certification strongly preferred

• MBA in Accounting or Finance preferred

Experience Requirements

• 812 years of progressive accounting and finance experience with increasing responsibility across accounting reporting and financial planning

• At least 24 years in a hands-on operational accounting role with direct responsibility for day-to-day close and reporting activities preferably in a growth-stage environment

• Private equity or investor-backed company experience strongly preferred

• Experience designing finance and accounting processes from scratch and implementing systems to support them in a growth-stage resource-constrained environment

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting standards

• Advanced proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems

• Strong Excel capabilities

• Hands-on experience with budgeting forecasting and variance analysis in a growth-stage environment

Key Competencies

Leadership & Communication

• Excellent communication skills with ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders

• Strong collaborative skills to work effectively across departments

Strategic & Analytical Thinking

• Results-oriented approach with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Strategic mindset with hands-on execution capabilities

• Ability to identify cost savings opportunities and process improvements

Personal Attributes

• Thrives in fast-paced high-growth environments

• Strong work ethic with attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

• Demonstrated integrity credibility and professional ethics

• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic business conditions

• Applies critical thinking and experience to evaluate complex decisions balancing factors outcomes and organizational impact

• Drives accountability by owning decisions holding others responsible honoring commitments and communicating effectively with stakeholders

• Practices emotional intelligence through self-awareness and growth by embracing feedback building on strengths and demonstrating empathy

• Collaborates effectively with diverse personalities by maintaining a positive professional attitude

Growth Opportunities

This role represents a foundational finance position within the company. As the business grows the VP Finance & Controller will help define when and how additional accounting and finance resources are added and will play a key role in shaping the companys evolving finance function.

What We Provide You

• A hybrid work arrangement
• Work-life balance generous PTO (earn up to 15 days annually) and 11 paid holidays
• Competitive compensation and discretionary bonus
• A full range of generous benefits including medical flexible spending accounts dental vision short-term and long-term disability employee assistance program (EAP) commuter benefits and more
• 401(k) retirement plan and profit sharing
• Onsite fitness center (Chicago)
• Weekly DoorDash meal allowance
• Employee discount program
• Quarterly volunteer opportunities
• A proud commitment to employee well-being

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the executive team and private equity sponsors.

Ready to drive financial excellence in a high-growth environmentJoin our team and play a crucial role in our continued success and value creation journey. We offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a dynamic private equity-backed organization positioned for significant growth and eventual liquidity event.

Location: Chicago preferred. Open to candidates based elsewhere who are willing to travel to Chicago regularly and be closely embedded with the operating team.

Compensation: $200000.00 - $250000.00 per year based on experience education and geographic location.