Controller

Guidesly; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) & equity

Job summary

Guidesly is seeking a Senior Accountant / Finance Leader to own the company's accounting and financial reporting functions from month-end close through audit readiness.

You will help establish policies, maintain robust internal controls, and provide leadership to build a scalable finance function as the company grows.

Qualifications

• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience owning or improving month-end close and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Establish and manage a structured month-end close process.
• Maintain clean, organized accounting records and financial statements.
• Develop and document accounting policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, sales tax, payroll reporting, and other requirements.
• Lead audit preparation and drive audit readiness.

Skills

CPA

GAAP

Month-end close

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Audit readiness

Leadership

Ownership

Education

CPA designation

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Guidesly is revolutionizing the outdoor recreation industry by connecting guides and instructors to their guests through innovative SaaS platforms and mobile applications. As a dynamic start-up rooted in a culture of hard work, innovation, & the great outdoors, we leverage our technologies to empower outdoor guides and help them grow their businesses.

What You’ll Do

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness.
• Establish and manage a structured month-end close process.
• Maintain clean, organized, and scalable accounting records and financial statements.
• Develop and document accounting policies and procedures, including revenue recognition, procurement, and expense management.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, sales and use tax, payroll reporting, and other applicable financial requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls, financial documentation, and clear accountability across accounting processes.
• Lead audit preparation and drive the company toward audit readiness.

Financial Reporting & Business Visibility

• Establish clear reporting around key financial and business performance indicators.
• Provide the CEO with consistent, reliable visibility into company performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with leadership to support informed business decisions through timely and accurate financial information.

Cap Table & Equity Administration

• Maintain an accurate investor ledger and support cap table administration.
• Track employee stock option grants and maintain accurate records of grants against the company’s overall option pool.
• Support investor diligence and provide accurate financial documentation as needed.

Process Improvement & Team Development

• Build scalable accounting processes, systems, and workflows to support the company’s growth.
• Evaluate opportunities to improve accounting and finance tools, systems, and reporting.
• Eventually recruit, develop, and manage a Senior Accountant responsible for bookkeeping and day-to-day accounting support.
• Establish a strong foundation for a growing finance function.

What We’re Looking For

• Significant experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, or controllership, ideally within an in-house company environment.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of accounting fundamentals, financial controls, and audit readiness.
• Demonstrated experience owning or improving month-end close and financial reporting processes.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, accounting policies, and applicable tax and payroll reporting requirements.
• A track record of maintaining accurate financial records and implementing reliable, repeatable accounting processes.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high degree of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to work independently, build structure in a growing company, and communicate financial information clearly to leadership.
• Interest in growing beyond traditional accounting into broader finance leadership over time.

Candidates with experience at established companies or within an in-house corporate accounting function are encouraged to apply. Public accounting experience can be valuable, but we are especially interested in candidates who understand the practical realities of operating and managing accounting within a business.

Nice to Have

These experiences are beneficial but are not required. We are open to a candidate who wants to develop these capabilities over time.

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and scenario analysis.
• Strategic Finance: Pricing and margin analysis, revenue strategy, and business performance analysis.
• Fundraising & Investor Relations: Financial diligence, investor reporting, fundraising support, and board-level financial materials.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Experience improving accounting software, ERP or CRM workflows, and financial reporting infrastructure.

Our priority is accounting depth and strong controllership fundamentals. We’re looking for someone who can own the financial foundation today and grow into the strategic finance leader of tomorrow.

Why Join Us:

Join a collaborative team, focused on empowering guides and providing endless space & opportunity for growth.

• Enjoy opportunities to travel and immerse yourself in the outdoor recreation community.
• Generous health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) & equity
• Play a key role in shaping the future of the guide and instructor industry!