Thought Industries powers the Business of Value - enabling enterprises to unlock growth across the customer lifecycle. From our Boston headquarters, we help organizations drive measurable impact, maximize customer lifetime value, and fuel innovation through our leading enterprise solutions. Unlock growth with us - where your potential meets boundless possibilities.
Increasingly, our platform leverages AI-powered capabilities to streamline content creation, personalize learning experiences, and generate deeper insights into learner engagement and outcomes. We serve innovative, growth-oriented organizations that view education as a strategic business lever.
Thought Industries operates with a lean, high-ownership culture, balancing growth, operational rigor, and continuous improvement in a fast-evolving SaaS environment.
Job DescriptionWe are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Controller to lead our accounting and financial operations. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a growth-stage company.
This is a player-coach role responsible for owning the accounting function end-to-end while helping mature processes to meet private-equity, board, and lender expectations. The Controller will oversee a lean accounting team and play a pivotal role in strengthening financial operations as the company continues to scale.
As Controller, you will support a data-driven, AI-enabled SaaS business, ensuring the financial foundation keeps pace with platform innovation, evolving systems, and operational complexity.
Key Responsibilities
Manage all accounting operations, including general ledger, AP, AR, payroll, and bank reconciliations
Lead month-end and year-end close, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
Prepare and analyze financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses
Develop and maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures
Manage cash flow, working capital, and treasury activities
Oversee external audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance
Manage annual corporate insurance policy renewals
Partner with leadership on budgets, forecasts, and strategic planning
Provide financial insights to improve profitability and operational efficiency
Supervise and develop a lean accounting team, remaining hands-on as needed
Identify and implement process improvements and system enhancements
Partner closely with the CFO and FP&A function on PE reporting packages, audit readiness, and diligence support
Maintain and enhance SaaS revenue recognition processes (ASC 606)
Support cash forecasting and runway visibility
Operate effectively in a build-while-running environment with evolving systems
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred
7–12 years of progressive accounting experience with direct ownership of close, reporting, and audits
2–4 years of accounting or finance leadership experience
Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting
Experience in a growth-stage SaaS or mid-market company with hands-on execution
Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems (e.g., NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks)
Advanced Excel skillsStrong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to thrive in a resource-constrained, fast-moving environment
Prior experience in a private-equity-backed or investor-driven environment strongly preferred
Preferred Experience
SaaS industry experience, particularly subscription or recurring revenue models
ERP implementations, upgrades, clean-ups, or post-implementation stabilization
Exposure to AI-enabled or data-driven SaaS platforms
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
The annual salary for this role is $140,000-$200,000 with bonus eligibility DOE.
Thought Industries does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment decisions at Thought Industries are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.
Thought Industries does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment decisions at Thought Industries are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.
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