Controller

At Instabase, we're passionate about democratizing access to cutting-edge AI innovation to enable any organization to solve previously unsolvable unstructured data problems in their industry.  With customers representing some of the largest and most complex organizations in the world, and investors like Greylock, Andreessen Horowitz, and Index Ventures, our market opportunity is near infinite.

Instabase offers a consumption-based pricing model where customers can pay only for what they use, aligning directly with the value our products deliver. It empowers our clients to explore our AI Hub platform features extensively, enabling them to uncover crucial business insights. This customer-centric model allows Instabase to glean insights from diverse use cases and behaviors, ensuring we deliver top-tier solutions that provide unmatched advantages for everyday business operations.

With offices in San Francisco, New York, London and Bengaluru, Instabase is a truly global company. We are people-first, and we've built a fearlessly experimental, endlessly curious, customer obsessed team who work together and help organizations around the world turn their unstructured data into insights instantly.

About the Role:
Instabase is seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and hands-on Controller to lead our global accounting operations. Reporting directly to the CEO you will be a foundational leader responsible for building a world-class accounting function and scaling our processes and systems. This is a critical, high-impact role for someone who thrives in a dynamic, high-growth environment, eager to establish best-in-class accounting practices, ensure financial integrity, and provide actionable insights that fuel our continued expansion. You will design and execute a roadmap that scales the accounting function from rapid growth through maturity, ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.

What You'll Do:

• Lead & Scale the Accounting Function: Oversee and optimize all aspects of the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets. Own and optimize the month-end, quarter-end, and annual close processes, ensuring GAAP compliance and accurate internal/external reporting.
• Build & Grow Disciplines: Build and grow the various disciplines within a growing business, including Financial Reporting, Technical Accounting, Accounts Payable, Payroll, International Accounting, Corporate Accounting and Consolidations, Tax, Treasury, and Risk.
• Technical Accounting Expertise: Research, interpret, and implement complex accounting pronouncements (e.g., ASC 606 revenue recognition for SaaS, ASC 842 leases). Develop and maintain robust accounting policies and procedures.
• Internal Controls & Audit Management: Design, implement, and maintain robust internal controls over financial reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance. Independently manage external audits, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Systems & Process Optimization: Ensure the accounting function has the appropriate tech stack and internal processes to scale with the business. Drive the continuous improvement and automation of accounting processes and systems (e.g., ERP implementation/optimization – NetSuite preferred, expense management, billing systems). Implement systems to improve efficiency, shorten close cycles, and support growth with scalable, automated processes.
• Strategic Partnership: Partner closely with FP&A, Sales, Legal, and other business owners to provide insight into actual financial results, inform forecasting and planning, support business initiatives, and ensure proper accounting treatment for new products and transactions.
• Team Leadership & Development: Hire, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Scalability & Public Company Readiness: Prepare the accounting function for future growth, including potential M&A activities and public company readiness (e.g., SOX readiness).

Your Approach:

• You’re a Builder & Problem-Solver: You thrive in high-growth environments, eager to see a startup from rapid growth through IPO. You see beyond journal entries—you’re excited to design scalable systems and processes that power a world-class accounting function.
• You're a Doer with a Strategic Mindset: You love a fast-paced, high-impact role where problem-solving, judgment, and prioritization are key. This is your chance to define best practices from the ground up, driving improvements across controls, reporting, audit readiness, and financial operations. You own your work and move fast, tackling challenges of any size with independence, energy, and urgency.
• You're Risk-Aware & Relentless about Integrity: Maintaining tight internal controls and the integrity of the company’s books and records is paramount. Accuracy, efficiency, and compliance aren’t just checkboxes for you—they’re the backbone of a successful company.
• You Believe in the Story: Great accounting is more than numbers—it’s about telling a clear and verifiable financial story. If you want to build something impactful, scalable, and lasting, we want to hear from you.

About You:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Certification: Active CPA license required.
• Experience: 10-15 years of progressive accounting experience across Big 4 and industry; with at least 3+ years in a Controller or Assistant Controller role, preferably at a high-growth SaaS or technology company.
• Foundational Knowledge: Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, with specific experience in ASC 606 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) and ASC 842 (Leases). Deep experience shaping accounting policies and procedures.
• System Savvy: Demonstrated ability to implement and use information technology applications and resources, in particular strong understanding of ERP solutions (NetSuite preferred) and financial systems.
• Analytical Rigor: Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a keen eye for detail. Detail-oriented and hands-on.
• Leadership & Communication: Proven leadership abilities with experience building and managing high-performing teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to articulate complex financial concepts clearly to various stakeholders, including senior executives.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and rapidly changing environment. Proactive, self-starter who can prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Public Company Readiness: Experience with, or strong understanding of, public company accounting and reporting requirements (e.g., SOX compliance) is highly desirable.

#hybrid

Instabase is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. Research shows that in order to apply for a job, women feel they need to meet 100% of the criteria while men usually apply after meeting about 60%. Regardless of how you identify, if you believe you can do the job and are a good match, we encourage you to apply.