Contract Controller/Finance Leader (Tech Software/Hardware)

Our client is a venture-backed Technology company looking for a hands-on Controller to lead both accounting and core finance operations.

This role is structured as a contract-to-hire engagement, with the expectation of full-time conversion based on mutual fit.

The Controller will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financials while also supporting forecasting, financial visibility, and day-to-day decision-making across the business.

This is a hands-on role in a lean environment, where the Controller will play a key role in bringing structure, consistency, and clarity to the financial function.

What You'll Own

• Accounting & Close

• Lead all accounting operations: Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, and Revenue Recognition

• Own month-end and year-end close processes

• Prepare timely, accurate financial statements

• Financial Reporting & Visibility

• Build and maintain internal reporting packages for leadership

• Ensure consistency and integrity of financial data across the organization

• Provide insight into financial performance, not just reporting

• Planning & Forecasting

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes

• Analyze variances and help leadership understand drivers of performance

• Improve forecasting accuracy over time

• Operational Finance

• Partner cross-functionally (Engineering, Sales, Operations) to align financials with business activity

• Translate business activity into financial impact and decision support

• Identify areas where process, structure, or visibility needs to improve

• Process & Controls

• Develop and refine accounting policies and internal controls

• Improve workflows and systems to support scale

• Ensure readiness for audit and compliance requirements

*What We're Looking For*

• Proven experience as a Controller in a SaaS environment
• Experience owning both accounting and finance responsibilities
• Ability to operate in a lean, fast-moving environment with competing priorities
• Comfortable working in a globally distributed organization
• Strong ownership mindset with the ability to operate independently

*Why This Role*This is an opportunity to step into a role with real ownership, bring structure to a complex environment, and work closely with leadership as the business continues to evolve.

*Work Environment*

• Hybrid role with periodic in-person collaboration required in the Peninsula area
• Candidates must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including time as a Controller or equivalent lead role
• Deep understanding of SaaS metrics (ARR, revenue recognition, deferred revenue, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with Sage Intacct
• Proven working experience as a Controller in a small to mid-size VC backed company
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field (advanced degree a plus)
• CPA or CMA preferred
• Deep experience with month-end close and financial statement preparation
• Understanding of GAAP and financial reporting

Benefits

• Contract Phase (Initial Engagement):

• Hourly rate

• No benefits during the contract period

• Upon Conversion to Full-Time:

• Base salary: $200,000-$220,000 + bonus

• Health benefits: 100% employee / 95% dependent coverage

• Discretionary PTO

• 401(k) (no match)

• Additional long-term incentive tied to company outcomes