Controller

SAPinsider is the largest and fastest-growing global community of SAP professionals, providing annual memberships, in-person and virtual events, digital services, research, publishing, and editorial programs for both SAP customer organizations and technology providers. We help SAP customer and partner teams make better decisions, accelerate value from their investments, and connect with peers and partners across the SAP ecosystem. Position Overview SAPinsider is seeking a hands-on, strategic Controller to lead our day-to-day accounting operations while partnering closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership team on financial planning, performance management, and cash stewardship. This role will report directly to the CEO and will manage one internal accountant as well as a third-party accounting/payroll provider to ensure accurate, timely, and scalable financial operations across our membership, events, digital, and publishing businesses. The ideal candidate is comfortable rolling up their sleeves in the details, coordinating internal and external resources, and serving as a key advisor on business decisions. Key Responsibilities Accounting Operations and Controls Lead a small 3-person accounting and finance team with support from a dedicated accounting services support company. Meet with the CEO frequently in the Chelmsford MA office to review performance and planning. Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and revenue recognition. Direct and mentor one internal accountant, providing guidance on priorities, quality standards, and professional development. Oversee and coordinate the work of a third-party consulting team responsible for daily accounting processes and payroll, ensuring SLAs, data accuracy, and strong communication. Establish, maintain, and continuously improve a documented system of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls appropriate for a multi-revenue-stream business (memberships, events, sponsorship, digital, and publishing). Own the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements, reconciliations, and supporting schedules. Ensure compliance with US GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local reporting requirements. Financial Reporting, Analysis and Strategic Support Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reporting packages for the CEO, Board of Directors and executive leadership team. Partner with the CEO on budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning, including by-product and by-business-line P&L views (membership, events, digital, publishing). Analyze performance against budget and key metrics; provide clear, actionable insights on revenue, margins, cash flow, and unit economics. Support preparation of materials for the Board and other stakeholders, including commentary on trends, risks, and opportunities. Cash Management and Risk Lead daily cash management activities, including cash flow forecasting, monitoring collections, and managing disbursements. Work closely with the third-party team and internal accountant to optimize working capital and maintain healthy DSO and cash conversion. Manage banking relationships and support any credit facility compliance or reporting requirements. Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and minimize financial, operational, and compliance risks. Systems, Process Improvement and Cross-Functional Collaboration Own the finance systems stack (ERP/accounting, billing, expense management, reporting tools) and drive automation and process improvements across internal and external teams. Standardize and streamline workflows between the internal accountant and external provider (e.g., closing checklists, handoffs, shared calendars, documentation). Collaborate closely with Sales, Events, Marketing, Content, and Operations to ensure accurate revenue recognition, cost allocation, and forecasting for deals, events, and multi-element arrangements. Identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce manual work, and improve data quality and visibility for the business. Team Leadership and Vendor Management Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, and performance feedback to the internal accountant, setting clear expectations on output and timelines. Manage the relationship with the third-party consulting/accounting/payroll team, including scope, performance reviews, and issue escalation. Coordinate quarterly and annual reviews with the external provider to ensure alignment on service levels, process changes, and system updates. Partner with external auditors and tax advisors to ensure timely, accurate filings and audit readiness. Executive Partnership Serve as a key business partner to the CEO, participating in regular reviews of financial performance, cash, and strategic priorities. Bring a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to supporting new products, pricing changes, and contract structures. Translate strategy into financial and operational plans, defining key metrics and reporting needed to track progress. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including experience as a Controller or senior accounting leader in a recurring-revenue, media, events, or SaaS/tech-enabled services environment. Strong knowledge of US GAAP, month-end close, revenue recognition, and internal controls. Demonstrated experience owning end-to-end accounting operations and producing accurate, timely financial statements in a growth-oriented company. Prior experience managing at least one direct report and coordinating with external accounting/payroll vendors or outsourced teams. High proficiency with modern accounting/ERP systems and strong Excel/Google Sheets skills. Ability to operate both hands-on (transaction-level detail, reconciliations, process ownership) and strategically (analysis, planning, executive communication). Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders and influence decisions. High level of integrity, judgment, and ownership; comfortable in a fast-paced, lean environment. Preferred CPA and/or public accounting/audit background. Experience in B2B media, events, memberships, or SaaS/recurring revenue models. Experience building or scaling a small finance function, including implementing new systems or process automation. Familiarity with subscription and event metrics (e.g., renewals, deferred revenue, bookings, event contribution margin). Work Environment and Compensation Full-time role based in the Greater Boston area; strong preference for candidates who can periodically work from our Boston-area office, with flexibility for a primarily remote schedule. Exceptional candidates based elsewhere in the U.S. will be considered for a fully remote arrangement, with monthly/quarterly travel to Boston for key meetings and events. Expected base salary range: typically in the $170,000–$180,000 range for this level and company size, plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus targeted at up to 15% of base salary , depending on experience and location. #J-18808-Ljbffr SAPinsider