Head of Accounting
About the role
HappyRobot is the infrastructure for enterprises to build and orchestrate AI workforces. Our AI workers don't just communicate - they make decisions, take action, and run operations autonomously across voice, email, and enterprise systems. Born in Y Combinator (S23) and backed by a16z and Base10 with over $60M raised, we power critical operations for global enterprises worldwide. Our platform is battle-tested in the most demanding environments - where AI has real consequences. We started in logistics, built our own voice stack, models, and orchestration layer from the ground up, and are now bringing that infrastructure to every enterprise that runs the real economy.
Responsibilities
Own close: Run the monthly close end-to-end — journal entries, reconciliations, financial statements — with accuracy and improving speed over time.
Establish a close calendar and repeatable processes that get tighter every month.
Build the accounting foundation: Design and document accounting policies, internal controls, and workflows from the ground up with the Head of Finance.
Lead order-to-cash: Own the full cycle from invoicing through collections — working cross-functionally with Sales and Customer Success to ensure accuracy, reduce time-to-payment, and flag issues early.
Drive ERP selection and implementation: Evaluate our current tools and lead the process of selecting and implementing the right ERP for where we're going. Bring a systems-thinking mindset — understand what integrates well, what will scale, and what the real cost of switching will be later.
Identify and adopt the right AI finance tools (including our own): We build AI for a living — we expect our own finance function to use it intelligently. Proactively identify where AI-powered tools (for close automation, reconciliation, AP, etc.) can eliminate manual work and improve accuracy.
Prepare us for our first audit: Own audit readiness end-to-end: building audit-ready workpapers, managing the relationship with external auditors, and ensuring we can move through our first audit efficiently and cleanly.
Support strategic decisions: Partner with the Head of Finance on financial analysis, diligence support, and any corporate development activity. You'll be a thought partner, not just a reporter of numbers.
Ensure compliance: Own tax filings (federal, state, local), entity-level compliance, and any relevant regulatory requirements. Know when to manage internally and when to engage outside counsel or advisors.
Requirements
Builder mindset above all else: You're energized by the 0-to-1 work at a startup to help scale revenue — setting up systems, writing the first version of a policy, figuring out the right process when no playbook exists. You take ownership without being asked.
Operationally minded: You think about accounting in terms of workflows, systems, and business logic — not just debits and credits. You want to understand why a transaction happens, not just how to record it.
Scrub and hands-on: No task is too junior. You're as comfortable chasing down a late payment as you are presenting a close package to leadership.
Strong foundation, not necessarily deep specialization: We're not looking for someone who's spent years mastering one narrow technical area. We want someone with solid GAAP fundamentals, good judgment on revenue recognition, and the intellectual honesty to know when to ask for help.
10–16 years of relevant experience: Big 4 or national firm experience (2–4 years) is a strong signal — the rigor, audit exposure, and breadth of client work translates well to this role. Experience at a high-growth startup is a plus but not required.
Qualifications
Must Have:
Builder mindset above all else: You're energized by the 0-to-1 work at a startup to help scale revenue — setting up systems, writing the first version of a policy, figuring out the right process when no playbook exists. You take ownership without being asked.
Operationally minded: You think about accounting in terms of workflows, systems, and business logic — not just debits and credits. You want to understand why a transaction happens, not just how to record it.
Scrub and hands-on: No task is too junior. You're as comfortable chasing down a late payment as you are presenting a close package to leadership.
Strong foundation, not necessarily deep specialization: We're not looking for someone who's spent years mastering one narrow technical area. We want someone with solid GAAP fundamentals, good judgment on revenue recognition, and the intellectual honesty to know when to ask for help.
Preferred:
Big 4 or national firm experience (2–4 years)
Experience at a high-growth startup
Systems fluency: You've worked with ERP systems (NetSuite, QuickBooks, or similar) and have opinions about what works and what doesn't.
Bonus if you've been through an ERP selection or implementation before.
Clear communicator: You can explain accounting concepts to engineers, salespeople, and founders without jargon. You're comfortable pushing back when something doesn't make financial sense.
Integrity and discretion: You'll have access to sensitive company and customer financial information. We need someone we trust completely.
Benefits
Opportunity to work at a high-growth AI startup, backed by top investors.
Rapidly growing and backed by top investors including a16z, Y Combinator, and Base10.
Ownership & Autonomy - Take full ownership of projects and ship fast.
Top-Tier Compensation - Competitive salary + equity in a high-growth startup.
Comprehensive Benefits - Healthcare, dental, vision coverage.
Work With the Best - Join a world-class team of engineers and builders.
Pay
Competitive salary + equity in a high-growth startup.
Schedule
Full-time.