Controller

What we're looking for

We are looking for a controller as our first in-house financial member of the team. This candidate will have vast knowledge and experience in SaaS and GAAP accounting practices. The Financial Controller will play a key role in providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making and driving the company's financial growth. This is an exciting opportunity to get in early at a Series B company and influence the future of the finance team at Lightning AI.

You will be joining the Finance Team and report to our COO. This is a hybrid role based in either our New York City or Palo Alto office with in-office requirements of 2 days per week. The salary range for this role is $180,000-$220,000. 

What you’ll do

• Oversee all financial operations including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for Lightning AI
• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances
• Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements including balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements
• Conduct financial analysis to pinpoint trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement and cost cutting, pertaining to cloud costs specifically
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and financial performance to support effective cash management and decision-making in respects to company runway
• Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings; ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards
• Support the executive team with key financial information and operational analytics, and drive a culture of accountability in managing the business
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
• Leverage previous experience at a professional accounting firm and as a controller at a venture backed SaaS company

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or equivalent certification preferred.
• Extensive experience in finance and accounting within a SaaS or technology company, with a solid understanding of GAAP accounting
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. Ability to conduct in-depth financial analyses, particularly around cloud and operational costs.
• Proficiency with ERP and financial systems (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills. Familiarity with cloud cost management is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of local, state, and federal reporting requirements and compliance standards. Preferred understanding of UK regulations as well as US regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for presenting financial insights to senior leadership and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with the confidence to shape and lead financial operations in a growing startup.
• Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions, prioritize tasks effectively, and contribute to high-impact strategic initiatives.