Why This Job is Featured on The SaaS Jobs
Subscription businesses put unusual pressure on accounting, particularly around revenue recognition, deferred revenue, and metrics that tie billing to retention. This Controller role is featured because it sits at the center of those SaaS-specific mechanics, with explicit ownership of GAAP reporting and ASC 606, and direct partnership with a CFO in a venture or PE-backed environment where financial infrastructure needs to keep pace with the operating model.
For a SaaS finance career, the work maps closely to what differentiates best-in-class operators from traditional controllers: building repeatable close processes, strengthening internal controls, and improving the systems layer that supports subscription reporting. Exposure to audits, board-ready materials, and cross-functional collaboration also develops the kind of finance leadership muscle that transfers across SaaS companies as they mature from early scale to more structured reporting and compliance expectations.
This role fits an accounting leader who prefers being close to execution while still setting direction for a team. It will suit someone who enjoys translating technical accounting into decisions that non-finance stakeholders can act on, and who is motivated by process design, tooling, and operational rigor rather than purely transactional accounting.
The section above is editorial commentary from The SaaS Jobs, provided to help SaaS professionals understand the role in a broader industry context.
Job Description
We are seeking a Controller who is a proven leader with a track record of building and scaling accounting operations at PE and/or venture-backed SaaS companies. This role will own the accounting function and serve as a key partner to the CFO and executive team in driving financial excellence and operational efficiency.
Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will manage the accounting team and be responsible for all aspects of the company's financial operations, reporting, and compliance.
The ideal candidate is:
- Hands-on – not afraid to roll up sleeves and execute, whether it's reconciling accounts, preparing board materials, or debugging a reporting issue. We need someone who leads from the front and models an all-hands-on-deck culture.
- Technical – deep expertise in GAAP, ASC 606 revenue recognition, and SaaS accounting. Comfortable diving into the details of ERP systems, financial tools, and automation opportunities.
- Proactive – actively identifies issues before they become problems, seeks process improvements, and drives initiatives without waiting for direction.
- Accountable – takes ownership of outcomes, meets deadlines consistently, and fosters a culture of accountability within the team.
- Fast-paced – comfortable working in a dynamic startup environment where priorities shift and speed matters. Can make decisions and execute on timelines measured in days and weeks, not months.
- Data-driven & operationally minded – approaches problems analytically, leverages data to inform decisions, and continuously looks for ways to improve processes and efficiency.
- A collaborative partner – works effectively across departments, communicates clearly with non-finance stakeholders, and builds strong relationships throughout the organization.
- Growth-oriented – excited by the opportunity to grow with the company, take on increasing responsibility, and potentially step into a VP Finance or CFO role over time.
Responsibilities
- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting
- Direct and scale the accounting function, including recruiting, performance management, coaching, and succession planning to ensure depth and continuity within the team
- Manage day-to-day accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger
- Ensure compliance with ASC 606 revenue recognition standards and other relevant accounting guidance
- Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements and management reports
- Lead the annual audit process and manage relationships with external auditors
- Build, implement, and maintain internal controls
- Manage cash flow forecasting, banking relationships, and treasury functions
- Partner with FP&A on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Oversee tax compliance, including federal, state, and local filings
- Lead and develop the accounting team, establishing best practices and professional development opportunities
- Evaluate and implement accounting systems and tools to improve efficiency and scalability
- 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
- Experience at a venture-backed SaaS company (Series A through C preferred)
- CPA required; Big 4 or national firm experience strongly preferred
- Deep expertise in GAAP, ASC 606 revenue recognition, and SaaS subscription business models
- Experience managing external audits and implementing internal controls
- Proficiency with accounting and related systems (NetSuite, SalesForce, Ramp) and Excel
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-finance audiences
- Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams
- Track record of process improvement and systems implementation
- 100% health care coverage for Employee
- 401K with company matching
- Dental & Vision
- Parental Leave
- Subsidized gym membership
- Remote work stipend
- Annual team offsite
A reasonable base salary for this position is $130,000 - $150,000 with on track earnings of $140,000 - $165,000 USD. This compensation range is specific to the United States and it incorporates many factors including but not limited to an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience and training; licensures, degrees, and certifications; specific geographic location; internal equity; internal pay ranges; and market data/range parameters.
SchooLinks is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
