Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview

Ghost is an inventory distribution platform and operating system for modern retail trade. We partner with the world's best brands to help them understand the true value of their inventory and route it to the right destinations globally. Ghost gives brands precise control over where and how their inventory is sold. Backed by top venture firms including L Catterton, Cathay Innovation, Union Square Ventures, Equal Ventures, and Eniac. Ghost has offices in Los Angeles and New York.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead and manage our accounting operations. You are a hands on and detail-oriented leader who will ensure the accuracy of financial reporting, maintain strong internal controls, and drive cash management strategies. You will collaborate closely with executive leadership to support both operational decision-making and long-term financial planning.

You will lead the Accounting team, oversee outsourced accounting resources, establish scalable accounting infrastructure, strengthen governance, and ensure financial rigor across a fast-moving, marketplace organization. You will be a key member of the Finance & Accounting Organization.

This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced accounting professional who thrives in fast paced & high growth environments. If you are a builder, and enjoy partnering with teams to bring rigor and transparency to complex marketplace economics - this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting, Close & Governance

• Own and oversee all core accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, treasury, fixed assets, and deal level economics.
• Lead a timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual close, ensuring GAAP-compliant financial statements.
• Manage and review work performed by outsourced accounting resources, ensuring quality, timeliness, and adherence to internal standards.
• Design, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls appropriate for supporting our next phase of growth.
• Collaborate closely with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies to maintain full compliance with financial and legal requirements.
• Lead our invoice management system, including approval of payments to vendors and collection of payments from customers.
• Support deal level accounting and cost tracking by transaction, customer and business segment.

Financial Reporting

• Respond to financial requests from investors, lenders, and strategic partners.
• Partner with the Finance Lead to prepare quarterly Board materials, including financial statements, KPIs, and variance analysis.
• Produce recurring reporting packages, dashboards, and metrics to support executive and Board decision-making.

Operational Finance & Systems

• Own day-to-day accounting operations in NetSuite, ensuring data integrity and proper controls.
• Perform and review bank reconciliations, cash management, and treasury activities.
• Partner cross-functionally and within Finance to ensure accurate tracking of departmental spend, headcount, customer acquisition costs, technology investments, and cost of sales.
• Implement systems, tools, and policies that not only ensure stringent controls, but also streamline day-to-day operations.
• Improve data hygiene and controls, supporting our transition to PCAOB audit standards.
• Lead our audit readiness assessment to uncover gaps or weaknesses in controls, documentation, policies, and processes that should be addressed before the audit with recommended remediations to align with requirements.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as a trusted finance partner to Finance, Operations, Engineering, and executive leadership.
• Provide clear, timely, and thoughtful responses to leadership on accounting, financial, and operational questions.
• Bring rigor, transparency, and sound judgment to financial decision-making in a dynamic startup environment.

Qualifications

• Active CPA and Bachelor's degree in Accounting (or equivalent)
• 10+ years of experience in accounting or controllership, including 5+ years of Big 4 experience
• Has led an accounting team of 5 or more
• Experience in audit readiness and leading PCAOB audit standards
• Solid understanding of payroll, treasury, bank reconciliations, and internal controls
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence decision-making at all levels of the organization
• Proven leadership skills, with experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the flexibility to adapt to evolving business demands

Our total compensation for this position can range from $200-250k base salary + bonus + equity. The actual amounts may vary based on factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits we offer:

• Medical, Vision, and Dental with some plans covered at 100%
• Competitive compensation and equity structure
• 401K
• Unlimited PTO

Ghost is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment where all employees can thrive. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable laws.