Controller

Leena AI; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Leena AI is seeking a senior accounting leader to own the US and India finance functions, scaling processes, controls, and policies across multi-entity operations.

This role leads ERP implementation, GAAP reporting, tax compliance, and investor readiness as the company grows toward later-stage funding, partnering with the CFO and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience at high-growth SaaS/tech companies.
• Proven ability to build an accounting function from the ground up.
• Hands-on ERP implementation/migration experience (NetSuite, Sage Intacct, or similar).
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP including SaaS revenue recognition (ASC 606).
• Experience managing multi-entity and cross-border (US-India) operations.

Responsibilities

• Build, scale, and lead the full accounting function for US & India entities.
• Establish accounting policies, controls, and SOPs across geographies.
• Lead ERP/system implementation and optimization (NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks).
• Own monthly/quarterly/annual close and GAAP reporting; coordinate audits.

Skills

Accounting leadership

US GAAP

SaaS/tech experience

CPA

Cross-border accounting

ERP systems

Education

CPA certification

MBA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Sage Intacct

QuickBooks

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Build, scale, manage and lead the full accounting function for US and India entities, including AP, AR, payroll, T&E, revenue recognition, and intercompany transactions
• Establish and document accounting policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures across both geographies

Systems & Process Implementation

• Lead the selection, implementation, and/or optimization of accounting and ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct) to support multi-entity, multi-currency operations
• Implement and integrate supporting tools for expense management, billing/invoicing, payroll, and revenue recognition
• Design scalable processes and controls that can flex as the company grows

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness across both US and India books
• Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements and ensure compliance with US GAAP (and applicable Indian statutory/tax requirements, in coordination with local advisors)
• Partner with external auditors to manage annual audits
• Support technical accounting positions (e.g., revenue recognition under ASC 606, stock compensation, capitalized software costs)

Cross-Border & Entity Management

• Responsible for US Federal, state and local tax reporting and compliance
• Manage the accounting and compliance implications of operating US and India entities, including transfer pricing, intercompany agreements, and local statutory filings (in partnership with local tax/legal advisors)
• Ensure compliance with local tax, payroll, and regulatory requirements in India (GST, TDS, etc.) and the US (federal/state)

Series C & Investor Readiness

• Support due diligence for company financing, including preparation of financial data rooms, historical financials, and responses to investor/auditor requests
• Build reporting packages and KPIs for board meetings and investor updates
• Help establish the financial rigor and controls expected of a company approaching later-stage growth and potential SOX readiness

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Build and lead the accounting team as the company scales, hiring and mentoring staff in both the US and India
• Partner closely with the CFO/Treasurer on cash management, and Head of FPA budgeting, and financial planning
• Collaborate with People/HR on payroll, benefits administration, and international employment compliance
• Serve as a key finance partner to Legal, Sales, and Engineering on contracts, revenue terms, and vendor agreements

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior experience as a Controller or Assistant Controller at a high-growth SaaS or technology company
• Proven experience building an accounting function from the ground up (not just operating within an established one)
• Hands-on experience implementing and/or migrating accounting/ERP systems (NetSuite, Sage Intacct, or similar)
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP; including experience with SaaS revenue recognition (ASC 606)
• Experience managing multi-entity, multi-currency, and cross-border (specifically US-India) accounting operations
• Experience supporting institutional fundraising (Series B/C or later)
• Experience supporting top-tier financial statement audits
• CPA required; MBA a plus
• Big 4 or public accounting background a plus
• Strong systems aptitude — comfortable evaluating and implementing new tools and automations (fitting, given our AI-native product)
• Excellent communication skills and comfort operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous, high-growth environment
• Experience managing or partnering with outsourced accounting teams/BPOs in India is a plus