Controller

We are hiring our first Controller to build and scale the accounting function at GC AI, own the close and the audit, and architect the systems and controls that scale with the business. This is not a maintenance job. The person we hire will design how accounting works at a modern AI company — what is automated, what is reviewed, what is governed — and will build the team that runs it. What You'll Do Architect the accounting org from the current outsourced model to a fully in‑house, AI‑leveraged team. Define the operating model, hiring plan (Senior Accountant, AR/AP, Staff Accountant), and role/responsibility split between Accounting and FP&A. Own the implementation and ongoing administration of an ERP. Lead the cutover from our current bookkeeping stack, including the chart of accounts redesign, opening balances, integrations, and parallel‑run validation. Design the close to be AI‑augmented end‑to‑end: reconciliations, flux analysis, accrual roll‑forwards, journal entry preparation, and first‑draft variance commentary generated by systems, with humans as reviewers and approvers. Stand up the systems architecture and build the data layer that lets Finance, Accounting, and RevOps work from a single source of truth. Use modern AI tooling (Claude, MCP connectors, agentic workflows) to compress the close cycle, automate prep work, and free the team for judgment and analysis. Set the bar for what "AI‑first accounting" looks like in practice – and ship it. Establish controls, segregation of duties, and audit trails appropriate for a company on an IPO path without slowing the business. We want strong governance, not bureaucracy. Take full ownership of our first‑year financial statement audit. Land it. Own the technical accounting work; revenue recognition, ASC 606 memos, equity, stock comp, lease accounting, and any acquisition‑related accounting. Build the audit‑ready close: monthly close on a predictable cadence, clean roll‑forwards, supportable accruals, documented controls, and a tight, organized PBC process for subsequent audits. Own customer‑facing financial diligence — auditor letters, going‑con­cern letters, financial statement requests from enterprise customers — so the sales team can close deals without bottlenecks. Stand up the discipline and documentation that makes year two and year three audits fast. What We're Looking For Audit experience: started career in public accounting (Big 4 or strong national firm) with a meaningful run as an auditor. Active CPA. IPO experience: have been through an IPO from the issuer side – ideally as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accounting Manager – and know what the SEC, underwriters, and auditors expect. Have written or owned material sections of an S‑1. Built and scaled an accounting function: taken an accounting org from early/scrappy to repeatable and audit‑ready at a high‑growth company. Have hired, leveled, and managed accountants. Have replaced an ERP at least once. AI‑native operator: actively use modern AI tooling in own work. Can describe specific workflows automated or compressed using LLMs, MCP, or agentic tools. Believe systems should shape processes, not the reverse – and can architect both. Technical accounting depth: strong ASC 606 chops, especially for SaaS and usage‑based/consumption pricing. Comfortable owning the memo, not just reviewing it. Operator mindset: move with urgency, write clearly, are comfortable in the details and the strategy, and can hold a tight close while also rebuilding the systems underneath it. Nice‑to‑Haves Experience at a venture‑backed SaaS company between Series B and IPO. Direct experience with Rillet, Campfire, NetSuite, Metronome, Stripe, Ramp, and Justworks. Familiarity with AI/ML cost accounting (inference costs, COGS classification, gross margin in AI businesses). Experience supporting an M&A or acqui‑hire transaction. Note on Pace We’re building something new in a once‑in‑a‑generation shift in technology and the legal industry, so we move at a relentless pace. We expect urgency, ownership, and good judgment even when things aren’t perfectly clear. If you need structure and consensus to do your best work, this isn’t the right place for you. If you thrive in ambiguity and growth, work with intensity, and want real responsibility, keep reading. We’re excited to meet you. Location Policy This is a remote role unless you live within approximately 50 miles of our San Mateo, CA or Provo, UT office, in which case the position follows a hybrid schedule with in‑office days on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Equal Opportunity Employment GC AI is an equal opportunity employer that supports workplace diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class. GC AI is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Compensation Compensation Range: $180K-$243K #J-18808-Ljbffr