Hands-on Controller to lead accounting and core finance operations for a VC-backed technology company. Own billing, AR/AP, GL, revenue recognition, month- and year-end close, financial statements, reporting, forecasting, variance analysis, operational finance partnering, process and controls, and audit readiness. Contract-to-hire role based in the SF Bay Area.
Our client is a venture-backed Technology company looking for a hands-on Controller to lead both accounting and core finance operations.
This role is structured as a contract-to-hire engagement, with the expectation of full-time conversion based on mutual fit.
The Controller will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financials while also supporting forecasting, financial visibility, and day-to-day decision-making across the business.
This is a hands-on role in a lean environment, where the Controller will play a key role in bringing structure, consistency, and clarity to the financial function.
What You'll Own- Accounting & Close
- Lead all accounting operations: Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, and Revenue Recognition
- Own month-end and year-end close processes
- Prepare timely, accurate financial statements
- Financial Reporting & Visibility
- Build and maintain internal reporting packages for leadership
- Ensure consistency and integrity of financial data across the organization
- Provide insight into financial performance, not just reporting
- Planning & Forecasting
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes
- Analyze variances and help leadership understand drivers of performance
- Improve forecasting accuracy over time
- Operational Finance
- Partner cross-functionally (Engineering, Sales, Operations) to align financials with business activity
- Translate business activity into financial impact and decision support
- Identify areas where process, structure, or visibility needs to improve
- Process & Controls
- Develop and refine accounting policies and internal controls
- Improve workflows and systems to support scale
- Ensure readiness for audit and compliance requirements
- Proven experience as a Controller in a SaaS environment
- Experience owning both accounting and finance responsibilities
- Ability to operate in a lean, fast-moving environment with competing priorities
- Comfortable working in a globally distributed organization
- Strong ownership mindset with the ability to operate independently
This is an opportunity to step into a role with real ownership, bring structure to a complex environment, and work closely with leadership as the business continues to evolve.
Work Environment- Hybrid role with periodic in-person collaboration required in the Peninsula area
- Candidates must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area
Requirements
- 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including time as a Controller or equivalent lead role
- Deep understanding of SaaS metrics (ARR, revenue recognition, deferred revenue, etc.)
- Hands-on experience with Sage Intacct
- Proven working experience as a Controller in a small to mid-size VC backed company
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (advanced degree a plus)
- CPA or CMA preferred
- Deep experience with month-end close and financial statement preparation
- Understanding of GAAP and financial reporting
Benefits
- Contract Phase (Initial Engagement):
- Hourly rate
- No benefits during the contract period
- Upon Conversion to Full-Time:
- Base salary: $200,000–$220,000 + bonus
- Health benefits: 100% employee / 95% dependent coverage
- Discretionary PTO
- 401(k) (no match)
- Additional long-term incentive tied to company outcomes
Launch Finance Menlo Park, California, USA Office
Menlo Park, CA, United States, 94025
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