Assistant Controller, People Leader

About the role

This role sits at the intersection of technical accounting excellence and people leadership within a fast-paced, high-growth advisory environment supporting venture-backed startups. The Assistant Controller will oversee a portfolio of client engagements while directly managing and developing a team of accounting professionals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end operational accounting across multiple client engagements, including month-end close, journal entries, reconciliations, eliminations, consolidations, and variance analysis, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Lead client financial reporting processes, including preparation of consolidated financial statements, budget vs. actual analysis, KPI dashboards, and cash flow insights to support data-driven decision-making.
• Manage and mentor a team of accounting professionals, providing regular coaching, structured feedback, performance reviews, and development planning to support career growth and high-quality delivery.
• Oversee staffing, utilization, and workload distribution across client engagements, ensuring efficient resource allocation and consistent service quality.
• Act as a key escalation point for client delivery issues, resolving complex accounting challenges and ensuring continuity of service across engagements.
• Partner with clients to establish accounting policies, implement technical standards such as revenue recognition (ASC 606), and support audit and compliance processes.
• Drive process improvement and automation initiatives across accounting workflows, including adoption of AI-enabled tools and modern financial systems to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate with internal leadership and cross-functional teams to improve operational standards, training programs, and talent development frameworks.

Requirements

• This role requires a strong blend of technical accounting expertise, client service experience, and people leadership capability. The ideal candidate is both detail-oriented and strategically minded, with a proven ability to manage teams and deliver high-quality accounting outcomes in fast-moving environments.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 1+ year at Assistant Controller level or equivalent leadership responsibility
• 3+ years of experience managing or leading accounting teams, including coaching, performance management, and career development
• Strong expertise in operational accounting, including month-end close, financial reporting, reconciliations, and technical accounting policies
• Experience working with venture-backed startups, high-growth companies, or professional services/consulting environments
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client relationships and complex, concurrent accounting workflows
• Strong proficiency in accounting systems such as QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and related finance tools
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex accounting concepts for non-finance stakeholders
• Proven ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain high standards under pressure
• Familiarity with workflow automation or AI-enabled accounting tools is highly preferred

Benefits

• Competitive base salary range of $165,000-$195,000 with eligibility for a 10% annual bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, with strong employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and flexible work arrangements, including remote-first structure
• Work-from-home stipend and professional development support
• Exposure to high-growth, venture-backed startup environments and CFO-level advisory work
• Mentorship, training, and continuous learning opportunities within a collaborative team culture
• In-person retreats, team offsites, and occasional travel for company gatherings