Assistant Controller

BlackLine Systems Inc (U.S.); Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 224,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits and wellness

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

BlackLine Systems Inc (U.S.) is seeking an Assistant Controller to lead core accounting operations, drive the global close, and prepare for an 18‑month succession to the VP, Corporate Controller.

The role focuses on managing GL, AP, month/quarter/year-end closes, and expanding the finance team. You will champion automation and AI-driven processes, strengthen internal controls under US GAAP and SOX, and partner with FP&A, Tax, Legal, and auditors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Active CPA license is mandatory.
• 10–15 years in global accounting with 4+ years in a senior leadership position.
• Experience as Assistant Controller or Director of Accounting in a public SaaS/tech company is strongly preferred.
• Big4 public accounting experience desirable.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX 404 compliance.
• Experience with multi-currency consolidations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee GL and Accounts Payable during transition and optimize processes.
• Direct global month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closes.
• Assume control of Financial Reporting and Payroll teams over the 18-month succession timeline.
• Collaborate with the current VP, Corporate Controller to transfer duties and institutional knowledge.
• Lead automation and AI-driven initiatives to accelerate the close process.
• Maintain internal controls for US GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX 404 compliance.
• Serve as primary liaison with internal and external auditors.
• Develop and mentor accounting operations team to be AI-fluent.
• Partner with FP&A, Tax, Legal, and revenue teams to support strategic initiatives and M&A integrations.

Skills

Leadership

Executive communication

Process improvement

Automation/ AI initiatives

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA license

Tools

NetSuite

BlackLine

Job description

Role Overview

Assistant Controller – a strategic leadership role within the finance organization, designed with a clear 18‑month succession path to the Vice President, Corporate Controller. The successful candidate will take direct ownership of core accounting operations, drive the global financial close, and prepare to absorb broader corporate reporting functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate as the primary manager of the General Ledger and Accounts Payable teams during the transition period, optimizing processes and ensuring accuracy.
• Direct the global month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end financial close processes, maintaining integrity and adherence to strict timelines.
• Assume control of the Financial Reporting and Payroll teams over the 18‑month succession timeline.
• Collaborate closely with the current VP, Corporate Controller to transfer duties and institutional knowledge.
• Lead initiatives that leverage automation, machine learning, and AI‑driven solutions to improve accuracy, reduce manual effort, and accelerate the close process.
• Maintain and strengthen the internal control environment for all managed functions to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with US GAAP, SEC regulations, SOX 404 requirements, and internal policies.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits.
• Direct, mentor, and elevate the performance of the accounting operations team, assessing capabilities, addressing skill gaps, and implementing development plans to build a highly skilled, AI‑fluent team.
• Collaborate effectively with FP&A, Tax, Legal, and revenue organizations to support strategic company initiatives, M&A integrations, and new system implementations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
• Active CPA license (mandatory).
• 10‑15 years of progressive accounting experience in a global environment, with at least 4+ years in a senior leadership capacity (Director or Senior Director level).
• Prior experience as an Assistant Controller or highly experienced Director of Accounting in a publicly traded SaaS or technology company strongly preferred.
• Experience with a “Big4” public accounting firm highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams.
• Deep, expert‑level knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and SOX404 compliance.
• Hands‑on experience managing complex consolidations and multi‑currency environments.
• Proven track record of identifying inefficiencies and implementing technology, automation, or AI‑driven solutions to achieve scale.
• Experience with modern financial systems such as NetSuite or BlackLine expected.
• Excellent executive‑level written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex financial and technical concepts for executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and cross‑functional stakeholders.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $224,000.00 – $280,000.00.
• Base pay may be supplemented by short‑term and long‑term incentive programs based on eligibility.
• Variable incentive structures may follow split models (e.g., 50/50, 70/30, or 60/40 between base salary and incentive).
• Comprehensive benefits and wellness plans.
• Professional development opportunities, including seminars and inclusive affinity groups.
• Flexible work arrangements with at least 3 days per week in the office for eligible candidates residing within a reasonable commute.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

BlackLine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, age, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, ancestry, color, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, medical condition, genetic information, or any other protected class or category recognized by applicable equal employment opportunity or other similar laws.