Assistant Controller (39690)

DeWinter Group; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

DeWinter Group is partnering with a fast-growing EV startup to hire an Assistant Controller (Path to Controller). This role leads the accounting foundation, building scalable processes from the ground up as the company scales toward its first formal audit.

Reporting to the Controller, you will own monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes, drive audit readiness, and help co-lead an ERP implementation. A systems-curious mindset, comfort with AI and data workflows, and startup DNA are essential to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with a solid GL and month-end close foundation.
• Big 4 experience is a plus, but strong industry experience is valued.
• Experience with startups or high-growth tech, hardware/software, or retail businesses is preferred.
• Strong accounting judgment and ability to build controls in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Close ownership: lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes, GL, reconciliations, JEs, and financial reporting.
• Audit & controls: drive audit readiness for the first formal audit and implement scalable internal controls.
• Systems & automation: co-lead ERP implementation; work with AI and data workflows to streamline the close.
• Cross-functional leadership: partner with Finance, Operations, Sales, and executives with high ownership.

Skills

GL & close process

Audit readiness

Systems & automation

SQL/Python/data workflows

Cross-functional leadership

Startup experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP systems

SQL

Python

Job description

Assistant Controller (Path to Controller) – Fast-Growing EV Startup

We are partnering with a highly capitalized, early-stage startup that is completely redefining the intersection of technology, retail, and operational execution in a massive physical industry. They are experiencing explosive growth, expanding their footprint nationwide, and investing heavily in their finance systems, automation, and scalable infrastructure as they prepare for their first formal audit.

The Opportunity:

This is not your average, sleepy GL role. Reporting directly to the Controller, you will step in to own the accounting foundation and build processes from the ground up. The big-picture goal? This role is designed as a succession plan. You will take over the Controller seat as the current Controller shifts into a strategic finance capacity.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Close Ownership: Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including GL, reconciliations, JEs, and financial reporting.


• Audit & Controls: Drive audit readiness for their first formal audit and implement scalable internal controls.


• Systems & Automation: Help co-lead an upcoming ERP implementation. Work closely with existing database workflows, AI, and automation tools to streamline the close process.


• Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner closely with Finance, Operations, Sales, and executive leadership with a high degree of ownership.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with a rock-solid GL and month-end close foundation. (Big 4 experience is a plus, but strong industry experience is heavily valued).


• Tech-Forward Mindset: You don't need to be a software engineer, but you must be systems-curious, comfortable with AI/automation, and unafraid of SQL/Python/data workflows.


• Startup DNA: \"Scrappy\" is non-negotiable. You need strong accounting judgment to build controls without being so rigid that you can't operate in a messy, fast-moving environment.


• Background: Experience with startups, high-growth tech, hardware/software, SaaS, automotive, retail, inventory, or operationally complex businesses is highly preferred.


• Ambition: Currently a heavy Manager, Senior Manager, or Assistant Controller who is ready to step up and wants a genuine path to a Controller title.

If you are a strong accounting generalist who gets excited by systems, automation, and building in a scrappy startup environment, I want to hear from you!

DeWinter Group and Maris Consulting is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We post pay scales which are based on our client pay ranges. DeWinter, Maris, and our clients have the right to modify the requirements of the role which can impact the pay ranges posted.