Senior Director, Assistant Controller

Due to its remote and hybrid culture, Alation conducts all of its interviewing and onboarding virtually.

Big Data isn’t a problem. It’s an opportunity.

At Alation, we help people find, understand, and trust data. So they not only excel in their work — they drive value for their enterprise, team, and role. In the words of one customer, “Alation makes me look like a rockstar.”

We help companies like Pfizer, Salesforce, and General Mills empower their people with the best data every day. As a platform for innovation, Alation helps customers create game-changing solutions (like a program for early-stage disease detection with Pfizer) and connect people to great data in less time (like Salesforce, whose analysts can now find data 35% faster). And we’re just getting started.

With more than $340M in funding - valued at over $1.7 billion and 450+ customers with household names - Alation is poised to capitalize on data as an opportunity. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Alation was named to Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces list for the third time, and our exceptional Glassdoor rating (4.7 out of 5!) reflects a culture that makes coming to work each day a joy. Do you want to join a team that welcomes new ideas, supports your growth, and recognizes your unique value?

Join us!

Alation, Inc. is looking for a highly motivated, well-rounded Sr. Director, Assistant Controller to join its Accounting team. Reporting to the VP, Corporate Controller, this role oversees all aspects of the general ledger (except Revenue Accounting) and accounting operations teams. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment and blends a focus on operational efficiency and process improvement with a strategic mindset. The ideal candidate also has strong technical accounting and professional accounting skills developed through a senior level role in a Big-4 audit or advisory practice. The Sr. Director, Assistant Controller demonstrates strong leadership abilities, has a record of building and developing high performing teams, and partners effectively with business partners to effectively deliver cross-functional projects to support Alation’s accelerating growth and future financing plans.

What You'll Be Doing

• Oversee the entire month, quarter and year-end close and reporting process
• Evaluate, develop and implement business processes to ensure continuous improvement, efficiency, automation, and control operating effectiveness with a view towards future PCAOB audit and SOX compliance
• Develop and ensure consistent application of GAAP and non-GAAP accounting policies and practices worldwide
• Review and approve complex journal entries and related reconciliations
• Oversee the delivery of annual financial statements and the annual audit process
• Perform technical research, document Company positions, and coordinate with external auditors where necessary to ensure alignment on technical topics, including new accounting pronouncements
• Partner with Enterprise Technology and other teams to plan and drive automation, systems implementations, and overall process enhancements
• Coordinate international expansion activities by partnering with cross-functional teams
• Support strategic initiatives such as financing activities, 409A process, evaluation of investment alternatives, and M&A activities as necessary
• Prepare reporting packages and senior executive and board-level presentations as required
• Manage investor relationships and reporting requirements
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of 15 employees and oversee corporate accounting, international accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and technical accounting and financial reporting teams.

You Should Have

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
• CPA license or equivalent
• 10-12 years of relevant experience, including at least 7-8 years in Big-4 audit or relevant advisory practice
• Prior experience either working in or auditing public companies subject to SOX and PCAOB requirements
• Strong knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and SEC reporting requirements
• Prior experience working on strategic corporate transactions (e.g. financing transactions, M&A, and strategic investments)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to both, think strategically and pay attention to detail
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interact with all levels of management, including demonstrated presentation skills and ability to present complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong Google and Microsoft Suite skills
• Previous Netsuite experience is desirable
• Technology and SaaS industry experience preferred
• Deep experience in coaching and development, with a passion for helping our Alationauts achieve their career goals

Base Salary Target: $187,504 - $243,356

The base salary range is specific to the United States. The salary of the final candidate selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, work location, specialty and training. If the final candidate has a different level of experience, the base salary target range may be lower or higher than what is published.

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More About Alation
Our founders have come together from different backgrounds: business, engineering, and design. This unique mix from our founding team is important to the Alation culture story. Today, our team consists of creators and communicators with varied backgrounds - from Stanford, to the Indian Institute of Technology, big companies and one-person startups, the United States, and abroad. We continue to seek ever more diverse perspectives as we grow.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on
the basis of race, name, religion, color, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Why Alation?

• Market-Leading Data Catalog Provider
• High-growth, collaborative environment with diverse and inclusive teams
• Continuous learning, enrichment and development opportunities
• Competitive pay and health offerings including commuter benefits
• Flexible time off to relax and recharge and much, much more!