Controller

Controller - Venture Capital ExperienceA rapidly growing SaaS company is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead the accounting function. This role requires prior SaaS experience and is ideal for someone who thrives in an early-stage startup environment. Key ResponsibilitiesAccounting & CloseOwn the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process. Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements. Manage the general ledger, accruals, deferred revenue, and account reconciliations. Collaborate with external accounting and tax advisors. Develop and maintain strong internal controls and documentation. Revenue Recognition & Contract AccountingOversee SaaS revenue recognition across subscriptions, implementation fees, usage-based billing, and multi-year agreements. Ensure appropriate accounting treatment for government and public-sector contracts, including delayed starts and appropriations-based revenue. Partner with Sales, Customer Success, and Implementation teams to align contract terms with revenue recognition. Sales Pipeline, CRM & Revenue Data IntegrityWork with Sales leadership to improve CRM data accuracy and consistency. Ensure pipeline stages, close dates, contract values, and start dates are aligned with accounting and billing requirements. Reconcile CRM, signed contracts, billing, and financial system data. Validate pipeline assumptions and contract timing for revenue forecasting. Systems, Controls & ScaleOwn and improve accounting systems, billing workflows, payroll processes, and expense management tools. Strengthen data flow and integration between CRM, billing, and finance platforms. Support budgeting and budget vs. actual reporting. Implement and enhance processes to support audits, diligence activities, and future scalability. What We’re Looking ForRequired5 years of accounting or finance experience. Prior experience in a VC environment Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leader. Strong, hands-on ownership of the financial close process. Solid understanding of GAAP and SaaS revenue recognition principles. Experience partnering cross-functionally with Sales and Operations. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Nice to HaveExperience with government or public-sector contracts. Experience working with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot). Audit or due diligence support experience. CPA or equivalent credential. Interest in expanding into broader finance leadership over time. Why JoinHigh-ownership Controller role with direct operational impact. Opportunity to build core financial infrastructure from the ground up. Exposure to complex revenue operations and SaaS scaling challenges. Clear path to increased leadership responsibilities as the company grows. Mission-driven environment with meaningful real-world impact. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Raleigh, NC, US Hybrid Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Professional Services - Other Vaco $ 130000.00 - 160000.00 yearly direct hire