Controller

About us

Gersh is a leading global entertainment and sports agency, representing a diverse roster of clients across film, television, sports, theater, comedy, branding, publishing, and digital media. Gersh is the fastest-growing major agency, respected for its hands-on, client-first approach and commitment to driving innovation and success. Following an equity investment from Crestview Partners in 2023, Gersh has advanced its long-term growth plan, acquiring the Digital and Alternative departments of the A3 Agency and You First—one of the world’s top sports and entertainment agencies. With clients at the heart of every decision, Gersh leverages strategic insights and decades of experience to strengthen its resources, empowering clients to achieve success across the global media landscape.

About the role

The Controller is a strategic financial leader responsible for overseeing the global accounting, financial reporting, and compliance functions at Gersh. This role ensures financial integrity, drives operational excellence, and partners with senior executives to support organizational growth and profitability.

Duties

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the global accounting organization, including regional controllers and core accounting functions.
• Maintain a strong financial control environment ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Advise the CFO on performance trends, risks, and long-term planning.

Global Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Manage consolidated reporting across multiple international entities.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, statutory requirements, and audit standards.
• Supervise preparation of consolidated financial statements and executive dashboards.

Operational Excellence

• Lead process improvement and automation initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally to streamline systems and workflows.
• Drive efficiency in billing, collections, payments, and vendor management.
• Oversee internal controls, SOX (if applicable), and risk management.

Business Partnership

• Provide strategic insights on revenue models, commissions, deal structures, and profitability.
• Support departments with revenue recognition and royalty accounting.
• Collaborate on development spend, co-financing, and project reporting.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop global accounting teams.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 10–15+ years progressive accounting/finance experience, including 5+ in leadership.
• CPA or equivalent.
• Expertise in GAAP and multi-entity consolidations.
• Experience in entertainment, media, or talent management strongly preferred.
• Strong financial systems proficiency.
• Strategic, detail-oriented, and highly analytical.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments.
• Strong integrity and collaborative leadership style.
• Proactive and solutions oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in private, founder-led, or PE-backed environments.
• Exposure to royalties, commissions, and participations.
• Familiarity with international tax considerations.

 

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.