Director, Assistant Controller

About the Role

We are looking for a Director, Assistant Controller to join a high-growth, pre-IPO SaaS company at a pivotal stage. This role is the operational backbone of our accounting function owning the month-end close, leading the external audit, and developing a high-performing team. The ideal candidate is a strong operational accountant who has built and run accounting functions in a SaaS environment and brings the maturity to execute.

This is an execution-focused role for someone who takes pride in running a clean, efficient accounting function while bringing enough technical breadth to be a thought partner on complex accounting matters.

You will report to the Controller and lead the core Accounting GL team. The role has a meaningful runway to grow into broader scope as the company grows.

What You Will Do

• Lead the accounting function with the ability to define and implement an effective controllership framework that scales with the business
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, maximizing the efficient use of resources to ensure timely and accurate results
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team, building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance
• Lead the year-end audit and serve as the primary point of contact for the external audit team, coordinating PBC requests, substantive testing, and audit committee deliverables
• Strengthen accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance structures - carrying out regular reviews to ensure they remain effective as the company scales toward IPO readiness
• Partner with Controller on technical accounting matters including revenue recognition (ASC 606), internally developed capitalized software (ASC 350-40), and stock-based compensation (ASC 718)
• Drive process improvement initiatives, including AI tooling adoption, to keep systems and controls effective as the company scales
• Keep the Controller and CFO informed of key financial reporting activities, close status, and financial risks to the business
• Contribute to financial strategy and operational initiatives that support the company's growth objectives

What You Will Need

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• CPA designation required
• 8-10 years of progressive accounting experience; SaaS industry experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience owning the month-end close and managing the external audit end-to-end
• Hands-on team management experience - you've hired, developed, and held people accountable
• Working knowledge of SaaS revenue recognition (ASC 606) - sufficient to review complex arrangements and identify issues that require escalation; familiarity with capitalized software (ASC 350-40) and equity accounting (ASC 718) is a meaningful differentiator
• Startup mindset - comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with ambiguity and shifting priorities; able to pivot quickly and roll up your sleeves as a preparer when needed
• Comfortable in a systems-intensive environment; experience with NetSuite, Zip, Stripe, or comparable platforms a plus
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalate
• Demonstrated ability to identify, implement, and improve financial systems, automation, and AI tooling that drive scalability and efficiency
• Proven track record of effective communication at all levels of the organization - clear, direct, and confident presenting to senior leadership
• High degree of self-awareness, humility, and collaborative instincts; this team values business partnership as much as technical rigor
• Candidates located in the Bay Area are strongly preferred