Job Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Controller to lead our accounting and financial operations. This individual will be a critical member of the finance team, responsible for building scalable processes, ensuring compliance, and providing the financial visibility needed to support our rapid growth. The ideal candidate brings startup experience (Series A/B stage), strong technical accounting expertise, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
For this position you must be local to Austin, TX and willing to be in office.
What you'll bring: - CPA required with strong technical accounting background.
- Startup finance experience at the Series A/B stage (experience building processes from scratch and scaling).
- Public accounting/audit experience (Big 4 or national firm preferred).
- 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 2+ years in a controller or senior accounting leadership role.
- Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting requirements.
- Experience managing audits, tax filings, and compliance for a high-growth company.
- Strong systems orientation experience implementing or optimizing financial systems in a startup environment.
- Fluency with AI tools, particularly Claude, for budget vs. actuals commentary, ad hoc analysis, and other finance workflows. You use AI as a default productivity tool, know how to prompt it effectively, and apply sound judgment in validating the output before relying on it.
- Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to thrive in ambiguity.
- Collaborative, hands-on leader who can operate both strategically and tactically.
How you will lead: - Own the company's accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end close, financial reporting, and compliance.
- Establish and maintain scalable accounting policies, systems, and internal controls to support growth.
- Lead preparation of GAAP-compliant financial statements, board reporting, and investor deliverables.
- Manage external audits and act as the primary contact with auditors.
- Partner cross-functionally with leadership to provide insights into financial performance and support strategic decision-making.
- Own monthly budget vs. actuals analysis, partnering with budget owners to explain variances, identify key drivers, and incorporate changes into the next forecast.
- Oversee tax, compliance, and regulatory filings in coordination with external partners.
- Implement and optimize financial systems and tools to increase efficiency and accuracy.
- Mentor and build a high-performing accounting team as the company scales.
Sustainment offers a competitive benefits package for full time employees including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, company holidays, and 401K matching.
