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