Controller

Overview

This role is responsible for building and leading the organization’s internal accounting function and overseeing outsourced accounting support during the transition to in-house operations. The position reports directly to the CFO and will own key finance processes including monthly close, revenue recognition, order-to-cash, and audit readiness, while helping implement and select finance systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close (end-to-end): manage journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements; establish a close calendar and repeatable processes with continuous improvement.
• Build the accounting foundation: design and document accounting policies, internal controls, and workflows from the ground up.
• Own revenue recognition: apply US GAAP judgment to prepay, usage-based, and pay-as-you-go contract structures, including documenting the policy and defending it to auditors.
• Lead order-to-cash: manage the full invoicing-to-collections cycle, including reconciliation of usage-based billing against contracted commitments; collaborate cross-functionally to improve accuracy, reduce time-to-payment, and flag issues early.
• Prepare for the first audit: drive audit readiness end-to-end by building audit-ready workpapers, managing relationships with external auditors, and ensuring a smooth first audit.
• Drive ERP and system selection/implementation: evaluate current tools and lead the selection and implementation of an ERP and other finance systems; bring a systems-thinking approach.
• Identify and adopt AI finance tools: evaluate and implement AI tools to improve finance workflows (including building AI-first processes).
• Build the team: hire and manage an in-house accounting team over time as functions transition off the outsourced provider.

Requirements

• CPA preferred (not required).
• 8 to 10+ years of relevant experience, including Big 4 or national firm experience; high-growth startup experience is a plus.
• Deep US GAAP expertise, including real ASC 606 revenue recognition experience.
• Builder mindset: experience building accounting functions, systems, policies, and processes without an existing playbook.
• Systems fluency: experience with ERP systems and billing systems; experience leading ERP/system selection or implementation is a plus.
• Clear communication skills: explain accounting concepts without jargon and confidently push back when accounting conclusions don’t align with financial reality.
• Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive financial information.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, salaried position.
• Compensation: $160,000 to $225,000 depending on experience and location.

Location

• Headquarters in San Francisco; all employees work remotely across the country.