Controller
200k – 250kSan Francisco, CAFinance & AccountingHybrid15+ YOE
Summary
Own accounting operations and lead a small team at an AI-native finance startup. Drive monthly close, compliance, controls, and system implementations while hands-on with reconciliations and journal entries.
About the role
Key Responsibilities
- Own the monthly close, compliance, audit, revenue, AP/AR, treasury, and payroll
- Lead the existing accounting team and grow it; develop people, shape hiring, and define team structure
- Complete reconciliations, post journal entries, and manage the close process hands-on
- Rethink team structure and responsibilities as tools automate manual work, shifting focus toward judgment and strategy
- Build controls and policies that scale, then automate them; serve as an early internal power user of Meridian
- Lead major projects including ERP and billing system implementation, running Pilot's finance stack on Pilot, and supporting fundraising and diligence
- Translate complex accounting into plain language for stakeholders
- Partner with FP&A, RevOps, and department leaders to keep the business unblocked and informed
- Default to "how might we" over "no"; find paths that protect the books while unblocking the business
Requirements
- 15+ years of accounting experience, including time as a Controller or equivalent scope
- Startup experience required; built and operated in resource-constrained, fast-moving environments
- Builder mindset with bias for improving processes over preserving them
- Deep US GAAP knowledge with hands-on ASC 606 experience, ideally in SaaS or subscription businesses
- Fluency with modern accounting tools (QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar ERP) and enthusiasm for adopting AI in accounting
- Strong communicator who builds relationships in remote or hybrid settings
Nice to Have
- Big 4 or public accounting background
- CPA certification
- ASC 718 stock-based compensation accounting
- ASC 842 lease accounting
- Fintech, bookkeeping, or B2B SaaS experience
- ERP / financial system implementation experience
- Fundraise or investor diligence support
Skills
US GAAPASC 606QuickBooksNetSuiteERP implementationMonthly closeRevenue recognitionTreasury managementPayrollFinancial controls
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