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Controllers

Trusted by the nation's top private equity firms & Fortune 1000 companies.

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Accuracy. Accountability. Performance.

We place Controllers who combine financial precision with operational impact.

Controllers play a crucial role in managing an organization’s financial health and strategic direction. These executives are responsible for overseeing all accounting-related activities, including financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.

Controllers in PE-backed businesses must balance rigorous financial oversight with the ability to drive operational improvements and support aggressive growth initiatives. They work closely with the CFO, CEO, and PE sponsors to provide accurate and timely financial information that informs strategic decision-making.

In the fast-paced environment of private equity, Controllers must be adept at translating complex financial data into actionable insight, supporting value creation plans, and ultimately contributing to a successful exit for investors. Many Controllers in this context come from Big Four accounting backgrounds, bringing a strong foundation in financial analysis and reporting to their roles.

ECA Partners has deep expertise placing Controllers who thrive in investor-backed environments. Our evidence-based search approach identifies leaders with the technical precision, operational mindset, and stakeholder management skills needed to drive value creation and financial scalability.

Our Areas of Expertise.

We deliver top executive talent and flexible consulting solutions across high-growth industries.

SECTORS

Private Equity Firms & Portcos

Private Equity Firms & Portcos

We match PE investors with leaders who unlock value.

Healthcare

Healthcare

ECA places leaders who drive growth, compliance, and better care.

Business Services

Business Services

ECA places leaders who unlock efficiency & growth in service models.

Industrials & Natural Resources

Industrials & Natural Resources

We find the savviest operators to optimize manufacturing businesses.

Consumer & Retail

Consumer & Retail

We identify executives who grow consumer brands and market presence.

Technology

Technology

From SaaS to AI, we recruit leaders driving innovation and scale.

Financial Services

Financial Services

ECA secures agile financial leaders to navigate shifting markets.

Meet your Practice Leads

Tony Topoleski, PhD

Tony Topoleski, PhD

Senior Director

As Senior Director in ECA Partners’ Finance Practice, Tony specializes in recruiting Controllers, Chief Accounting Officers, and senior finance leaders for private equity–backed companies. He focuses on building disciplined accounting organizations that support growth, compliance, and scalable infrastructure. His expertise extends to Finance Transformation, Data & AI, and operational leadership across manufacturing, services, and consumer sectors. Tony holds a PhD from Northwestern University and was a Fulbright Scholar to Russia, where his research explored motivation and belonging during periods of economic transition.

Evan Markgraf

Evan Markgraf

Senior Director

Evan is a Senior Director at ECA Partners specializing in Controller and accounting leadership search for private-equity and venture-backed companies. He recruits permanent and interim Controllers who strengthen close and reporting processes, technical accounting, audit readiness, revenue recognition, and treasury controls. Before joining ECA, he worked at Korn Ferry in Los Angeles serving PE and VC funds and their portfolio companies. Earlier, he recruited nationally in wealth management. Evan earned a JD from Golden Gate University School of Law and a BA in International Relations from UC Santa Barbara.

Have a role you'd like to discuss?

Reach out. We’d be delighted to learn about your hiring goals.

Have a controller role you’d like to discuss?

Reach out. We'd be delighted to learn about your hiring goals.

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