Contract Controller/Finance Leader (Tech Software/Hardware)

Launchfinance; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits: 100% employee / 95% dependent coverage

Discretionary PTO

401(k) (no match)

Job summary

Launchfinance is looking for a hands-on Controller to lead accounting and finance operations in a venture-backed technology company. This role offers an initial contract phase with a path towards full-time conversion, featuring a competitive salary and health benefits upon conversion.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in accounting and finance, particularly within SaaS environments, and will thrive in a fast-moving, collaborative space.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Experience as a Controller or equivalent lead role.
• Deep experience with month-end close and financial statement preparation.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations: Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, and Revenue Recognition.
• Build and maintain internal reporting packages for leadership.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.

Skills

Controller in a SaaS environment

Accounting and finance responsibilities

SaaS metrics understanding

Ability to operate in fast-moving environments

Ownership mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

Sage Intacct

Job description

Our client is a venture‑backed Technology company looking for a hands‑on Controller to lead both accounting and core finance operations.

This role is structured as a contract‑to‑hire engagement, with the expectation of full‑time conversion based on mutual fit.

The Controller will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financials while also supporting forecasting, financial visibility, and day‑to‑day decision‑making across the business.

This is a hands‑on role in a lean environment, where the Controller will play a key role in bringing structure, consistency, and clarity to the financial function.

What You’ll Own

• Accounting & Close
  • Lead all accounting operations: Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, and Revenue Recognition
  • Own month‑end and year‑end close processes
  • Prepare timely, accurate financial statements
• Financial Reporting & Visibility
  • Build and maintain internal reporting packages for leadership
  • Ensure consistency and integrity of financial data across the organization
  • Provide insight into financial performance, not just reporting
• Planning & Forecasting
  • Support budgeting and forecasting processes
  • Analyze variances and help leadership understand drivers of performance
  • Improve forecasting accuracy over time
  • Operational Finance
    • Partner cross‑functionally (Engineering, Sales, Operations) to align financials with business activity
    • Translate business activity into financial impact and decision support
    • Identify areas where process, structure, or visibility needs to improve
  • Process & Controls
    • Develop and refine accounting policies and internal controls
    • Improve workflows and systems to support scale
    • Ensure readiness for audit and compliance requirements

  What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience as a Controller in a SaaS environment
  • Experience owning both accounting and finance responsibilities
  • Ability to operate in a lean, fast‑moving environment with competing priorities
  • Comfortable working in a globally distributed organization
  • Strong ownership mindset with the ability to operate independently

  Why This Role

  This is an opportunity to step into a role with real ownership, bring structure to a complex environment, and work closely with leadership as the business continues to evolve.

  Work Environment

  • Hybrid role with periodic in‑person collaboration required in the Peninsula area
  • Candidates must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area
  • 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including time as a Controller or equivalent lead role
  • Deep understanding of SaaS metrics (ARR, revenue recognition, deferred revenue, etc.)
  • Hands‑on experience with Sage Intacct
  • Proven working experience as a Controller in a small to mid‑size VC backed company
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (advanced degree a plus)
  • CPA or CMA preferred
  • Deep experience with month‑end close and financial statement preparation
  • Understanding of GAAP and financial reporting
  • Contract Phase (Initial Engagement):
    • Hourly rate
    • No benefits during the contract period
  • Upon Conversion to Full‑Time:
    • Base salary: $200,000–$220,000 + bonus
    • Health benefits: 100% employee / 95% dependent coverage
    • Discretionary PTO
    • 401(k) (no match)
    • Additional long‑term incentive tied to company outcomes