Controller for a SaaS Company

Job Title: SaaS Company Controller

Position Overview: The SaaS Company Controller will be responsible for overseeing all accounting activities, ensuring the integrity of financial information, and supporting strategic financial decisions. The ideal candidate will be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in the SaaS industry, including both large accounting firm experience and direct experience within a company. This role requires a seasoned professional with at least 12 years of progressive accounting experience, who can lead a finance team, manage complex financial operations, and drive financial strategy in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting & Compliance:
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of all financial statements, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Manage the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements.
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support business planning and decision-making.
• Analyze financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing insights and recommendations to senior management.
• SaaS-Specific Financial Management:
• Manage and optimize key SaaS metrics, including ARR, MRR, churn, LTV, CAC, and customer retention costs.
• Oversee revenue recognition processes, ensuring compliance with ASC 606 and other relevant standards.
• Implement and manage systems for tracking deferred revenue, renewals, and billing cycles.
• Cash Flow & Treasury Management:
• Monitor and manage cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity to meet operational needs.
• Develop strategies for optimizing working capital, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory management.
• Internal Controls & Process Improvement:
• Design and implement effective internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial reporting.
• Continuously evaluate and improve accounting processes and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Leadership & Team Development:
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Operations, Sales, and IT, to support business initiatives and drive financial performance.
• Strategic Financial Planning:
• Partner with the executive team to develop long-term financial strategies and objectives.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support M&A activities, investment decisions, and other strategic initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, with significant experience in the SaaS industry.
• Experience in both large accounting firms and direct roles within SaaS companies is strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of SaaS business models, revenue recognition (ASC 606), and SaaS-specific financial metrics.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Proven experience in managing complex financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop a high-performing team.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, QuickBooks).
• Experience with M&A and other strategic financial activities is a plus.