Controller

Permission; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision coverage

401(k)

Paid time off

Free parking

Job summary

Permission is seeking a hands-on Controller to own accounting and financial reporting end-to-end. You will manage QuickBooks Online general ledger, month-end closes, crypto wallet reconciliations, and GAAP financial statements while supervising HR/payroll processes.

The role requires 8+ years of accounting, including 3+ years as Controller, with direct crypto and digital asset experience. This hybrid position is office-based in La Jolla with occasional work-from-home flexibility.

Qualifications

• Crypto & digital asset accounting experience with wallet reconciliations, fair value measurements and cost-basis tracking.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience including 3+ years as Controller or Assistant Controller in fintech/tech startup.
• Expertise with QuickBooks Online and crypto subledgers.
• Proven ability to produce GAAP financial statements and tax schedules for external CPA firms.
• Hands-on payroll processing with ADP and HR/onboarding operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Own the general ledger in QuickBooks Online with COA, bank feeds and journal entries.
• Execute month-end and year-end closes with reconciliations and schedules.
• Produce GAAP financial statements (Balance Sheet, P&L, Cash Flows).
• Manage AP/AR, subscription revenue, vendor approvals, collections.
• Provide exec reports on cash position, burn rate, runway, and variances.
• Maintain internal controls, accruals, prepaids, deferred revenue, and fixed assets.

Skills

Crypto accounting

GAAP reporting

QuickBooks Online

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA license (preferred)

Tools

Bitwave

Cryptio

TaxBit

Job description

Work arrangement: Primarily in office, with flexibility to work from home on occasion

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel

Employment type: Full-time, exempt W-2 employee, with a 90-day introductory period

About the Role

Permission is an AI platform and technology company combining subscription software with active digital asset operations. We are seeking a highly skilled Controller to own our accounting and financial reporting end-to-end.

In this hands-on role, you will manage all core accounting functions in QuickBooks Online, run month-end closes, reconcile digital asset wallets and exchanges, produce GAAP financial statements, and prepare audit-ready tax packages. You will also oversee secondary HR and payroll administration functions.

What You'll Own

Accounting, Close and Financial Reporting (primary)

• Own the general ledger in QuickBooks Online, including chart of accounts, bank feeds, coding, and journal entries.
• Execute disciplined month-end and year-end closes with complete reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual GAAP financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flows).
• Manage end-to-end AP and AR workflows, subscription revenue, vendor approvals, and collections.
• Deliver executive management reports highlighting cash position, burn rate, runway, and budget-to-actual variances.
• Maintain internal controls, accruals, prepaids, deferred revenue, and fixed asset schedules.

Crypto and Digital Asset Accounting

• Account for all digital asset transactions, including token transfers, conversions, staking, and exchange activity.
• Reconcile wallet, custodian, and exchange balances monthly against general ledger and on-chain records.
• Track cost basis, realized/unrealized gains and losses, and fair value accounting under current crypto GAAP standards.
• Implement and maintain crypto subledger tools integrated with QuickBooks Online.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for wallet ownership, transaction intent, and valuation sources.

Tax Preparation and Outside Accountant Support

• Prepare comprehensive year-end tax packages and act as main point of contact for external accountants during tax filings, audits, and inquiries.
• Generate digital asset tax schedules, gain/loss reporting, and cost basis support documentation.
• Manage filing of 1099s, sales/use tax, property tax, and state/federal regulatory compliance alongside tax partners.

HR and Payroll Administration (secondary)

• Process semi-monthly payroll, ensuring accurate tax withholdings and benefit deductions.
• Manage employee onboarding/offboarding, benefits administration, I-9 compliance, and personnel records.
• Handle routine employee payroll/benefits inquiries and elevate sensitive HR/legal issues to the COO/GC.

Cross-Functional

• Partner with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cash runway modeling, and strategic planning.
• Support equity administration, financing due diligence, and financial process automation.

What We're Looking For

Required

• Crypto & Digital Asset Expertise: Direct, hands-on experience in crypto accounting, wallet reconciliations, fair value measurements, cost-basis tracking, and token mechanics.
• Accounting Leadership: 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years as Controller or Assistant Controller (ideally as sole/primary finance lead in a fintech or tech startup).
• Software Mastery: Expert command of QuickBooks Online (GL, bank feeds, reconciliations, AP/AR) and crypto subledgers (e.g., Bitwave, Cryptio, TaxBit).
• Technical GAAP & Tax: Proven capability producing full GAAP statements, managing month-end close independently, and preparing tax schedules for outside CPA firms.
• Payroll & HR Ops: Hands-on experience managing ADP payroll processing and core HR onboarding/benefits administration.
• Education & Credentials: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Preferred

• Active or inactive CPA license.
• Experience with subscription revenue recognition in fintech/SaaS businesses.
• Experience supporting financial audits, IRS inquiries, or state tax reviews.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary: Pay commensurate with experience plus equity and token incentive opportunities.

Benefits: Comprehensive health/dental/vision coverage, 401(k), paid time off, and free parking.

Work arrangement: This role is primarily in office in La Jolla. Occasional work from home is available with flexibility.

Introductory period: The role begins with a 90-day introductory period. During that time we review fit, scope, and performance together before confirming the role on an ongoing basis. You are a Permission employee from day one, with payroll and benefits eligibility under our standard plans. Employment is at will during and after the introductory period.

Why Join Permission?

• Direct access to the founders and leadership team, with no layers of hierarchy.
• Full ownership of the finance function from day one, with equity and token incentives that share in the company's growth.
• A rare chance to build accounting for both a subscription business and a digital asset program.
• Room to grow with the company as it scales.

Permission is an equal opportunity employer.