Controller

Symplicity; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Symplicity LLC, a global higher-education technology provider, seeks a Controller to lead the accounting function, manage the close process, and own NetSuite as the system of record. You’ll oversee revenue, billing, payables, payroll, and finance operations across subsidiaries while ensuring compliance with US GAAP and IFRS reporting to the parent company.

The role requires extensive accounting leadership, public accounting exposure, and deep NetSuite expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• CPA or MBA.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in public accounting, preferably in audit.
• At least 3 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or equivalent role with supervisory responsibility.
• Advanced, hands-on NetSuite experience, including close, multi-subsidiary consolidation, revenue recognition, saved searches, and financial reporting.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, including ASC 606.
• Experience operating within a defined corporate structure, with established policies, reporting calendars, and approval authorities.
• Experience leading an external audit.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close and deliver accurate financial statements on the parent company's calendar.
• Prepare the monthly reporting packages including IFRS reporting and reconciliation of US GAAP to IFRS differences.
• Oversee accounting for US and non-US subsidiaries, intercompany activity, foreign currency, and consolidation.
• Review account reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, and leases.
• Prepare technical accounting memos for significant or non-routine transactions.

Skills

Accounting leadership

US GAAP knowledge

Public accounting/audit

Team leadership

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA or MBA

Tools

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

The Controller leads the accounting function of Symplicity LLC, an operating company of Volaris Group, which is a subsidiary of Constellation Software Inc. (TSX: CSU). Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for the integrity of the company's books and records, the monthly close, financial reporting under US GAAP and to the parent company under IFRS, internal controls, tax compliance, and the external audit. The Controller is the business owner of NetSuite as the company's system of record and leads the team responsible for revenue, billing, collections, payables, payroll, and the finance operations of the Australian and Brazilian subsidiaries.

The Controller has 6 direct-reports, based in various geographies around the world. The Controller works alongside the Director, FP&A, who owns budgets, forecasts, and ARR reporting, and the Director, Contracts, who owns contract drafting, nonstandard terms, and obligation tracking. Both also report to the CFO.

Principal Responsibilities

Close and Financial Reporting

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close and deliver accurate financial statements on the parent company's reporting calendar.
• Prepare the monthly reporting packages the CFO submits to the parent company, including IFRS reporting and the reconciliation of US GAAP to IFRS differences.
• Oversee accounting for US and non-US subsidiaries, including intercompany activity, foreign currency, and consolidation.
• Review account reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, and leases.
• Prepare technical accounting memos for significant or non-routine transactions.

Revenue and Transaction Accounting

• Oversee revenue recognition under ASC 606 and IFRS 15, as carried out by the Revenue Manager, and work with the Director, Contracts on the accounting treatment of nonstandard terms.
• Ensure billing, deferred revenue, and accounts receivable are accurate and reconciled to the general ledger.
• Ensure NetSuite contract records reconcile to the ARR and book-of-business model maintained by FP&A.
• Oversee collections, cash application, and the accounting for sales commissions and reseller fees.
• Oversee accounts payable and vendor management, expense management in Ramp, and payroll accounting for the US, Australia, and Brazil.

NetSuite and Financial Systems

• Serve as business owner of NetSuite, including the chart of accounts, subsidiary structure, revenue recognition configuration, saved searches, and financial reports.
• Act as finance lead on the evolution of the finance tech stack, including integrations among NetSuite, Maxio, Ramp, Avalara, and banking platforms, and automation of close and reporting processes.
• Maintain data integrity, user roles, and access controls.

Internal Controls and Audit

• Maintain internal controls over financial reporting consistent with parent company policies, including segregation of duties and approval authorities.
• Serve as primary contact for the annual external audit and parent company reviews, and manage audit schedules and the resolution of findings.
• Maintain written accounting policies and close procedures.

Tax and Treasury

• Own tax compliance across US federal, state, and local, sales and use, and international jurisdictions, working with outside advisors and local providers.
• Support the CFO on treasury matters, including the daily cash position, bank covenant compliance reporting, debt schedules and interest expense, and intercompany loans and transfers.

Planning and Analysis

• Partner with the Director, FP&A on the annual budget, forecasts, and budget-to-actual reporting, and ensure the actuals behind them are complete and reliable.
• Provide financial analysis and modeling on pricing, contracts, and other business decisions as requested by the CFO.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and review the work of the direct reports listed above, including the finance staff in Australia and Brazil.
• Set the close calendar and team priorities, and ensure procedures are documented and responsibilities are cross-trained.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• CPA or MBA.
• Ten or more years of progressive accounting experience, including at least three years in public accounting, preferably in audit.
• At least three years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or equivalent role with supervisory responsibility.
• Advanced, hands-on NetSuite experience, including close, multi-subsidiary consolidation, revenue recognition, saved searches, and financial reporting.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, including ASC 606.
• Experience operating within a defined corporate structure, such as a subsidiary of a larger group or a company with a public or institutional owner, with established policies, reporting calendars, and approval authorities.
• Experience leading an external audit.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Preferred

• Working knowledge of IFRS and experience reporting to a parent company under IFRS.
• FP&A or financial modeling experience, including budgets, forecasts, and operating models.
• Software or SaaS industry experience with subscription revenue.
• Multi-currency and international subsidiary accounting, including oversight of finance staff outside the US.
• Experience with Ramp, Avalara, HubSpot or similar systems integrated with NetSuite.
• Experience with credit facility covenant reporting.

$130,000 - $180,000 a year

Symplicity is a global leader in employability and student success solutions for Higher Education. Our technology helps institutions support students throughout their journey—from career development and employability to advising, student conduct, campus life, housing, and alumni engagement.

Our solutions are used by more than 30 million students worldwide, helping Higher Education institutions improve student outcomes, strengthen engagement, and better prepare students for successful careers.

At Symplicity, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative workplace where everyone can contribute and grow.

Symplicity is an equal opportunity employer. EEO / IWD / Veterans / Diverse / Inclusive Employer

Employment with Symplicity is contingent upon the successful completion of background and reference checks and validation of work authorization.