Controller-level oversight, without hiring a full-time controller.

What does an outsourced controller do?

An outsourced controller manages the financial reporting, month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls for a business without being a full-time employee. AccountingDepartment.com's outsourced controllers provide the same oversight as an in-house controller: managing the accounting team, producing accurate financial statements, developing budgets and rolling forecasts, and serving as the primary contact for CPAs, auditors, and lenders.

How much does an outsourced controller cost?

AccountingDepartment.com's controller services are a fixed monthly fee, with no hourly billing, starting with the Core tier. Your fee depends on transaction volume, complexity, and the level of controller and CFO support you need. Hiring a full-time controller typically means a six-figure salary plus benefits, overhead, and recruiting, so for most growing companies the outsourced model costs significantly less. See how pricing works on our Pricing page.

When do I need a controller vs. a bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper records transactions and reconciles accounts. A controller manages the accounting function, ensures reporting accuracy, builds budgets and forecasts, designs internal controls, and provides analysis. Companies typically need a controller when the month-end close starts dragging, when cash flow surprises become recurring, or when investors, lenders, or board members begin requesting detailed financial packages.

What is the difference between a controller and a CFO?

A controller is responsible for accounting accuracy: correct financial statements, a timely close, and internal controls. A CFO is responsible for financial strategy: capital allocation, growth planning, fundraising, and executive decision-making. AccountingDepartment.com provides controller services in the Core tier and both controller and CFO advisory in the Complete and Pinnacle tiers.

What is a fractional controller vs. a full-time controller?

A fractional controller provides controller-level services on a part-time or shared basis rather than as a dedicated full-time employee. AccountingDepartment.com's model is functionally fractional, with controller oversight calibrated to each client's needs, but backed by a full accounting team rather than a single individual. That removes the single-point-of-failure risk of a solo fractional hire.

Does AccountingDepartment.com provide CPA controllers?

Yes. AccountingDepartment.com's controller team includes credentialed CPAs and accounting professionals with deep expertise across industries. Controllers are matched to each engagement based on industry experience, company stage, and the complexity of the accounting environment.

Can AccountingDepartment.com take over from my existing bookkeeper?

Yes. AccountingDepartment.com regularly transitions engagements from in-house bookkeepers, accounting managers, and other outsourced firms. Your team starts on your accounting right away, and the transition, including any cleanup and chart of accounts standardization, runs alongside that work.

How long until my books improve?

Right away. Your books start improving as soon as your team takes over, and close timeliness improves almost immediately. Within the next reporting cycle, that work begins to show up in your results and in measurable impact on your business. If a larger cleanup project is needed, that part can take a little longer, but your close still gets timelier from the start.

Does AccountingDepartment.com handle budgeting and forecasting?

Yes. Budgeting and forecasting are core components of controller services in the Core, Complete, and Pinnacle tiers, including annual operating budgets, rolling forecasts, and monthly budget-to-actual variance analysis. Scenario modeling and investor-grade projections are available through the Complete and Pinnacle tiers.

What industries does AccountingDepartment.com serve for controller services?

AccountingDepartment.com provides outsourced controller services across professional services, technology and SaaS, e-commerce, construction, manufacturing, government contracting, and multi-entity holding structures. Founded in 2004, AccountingDepartment.com has developed industry-specific expertise across the sectors growing businesses operate in.

Is controller oversight included in every tier?

No. Controller oversight isn't included in the Essential tier, which is designed for businesses that primarily need clean bookkeeping and monthly statements. Controller services begin with the Core tier, and Controller Services Only is available for companies that keep their bookkeeping in-house. AccountingDepartment.com offers a free tier assessment to determine the right level of service.