Controller

Leena AI; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Leena AI is seeking a senior accounting leader to build and scale the US and India accounting functions, owning close processes, policy development, and cross-border compliance. The role will drive system implementations (NetSuite/Sage Intacct), manage audits, and partner with finance leadership on fundraising readiness.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in high-growth SaaS accounting, CPA, and a track record of establishing robust controls and scalable processes across geographies.

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.
• 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.

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
• 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
• 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)
• 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)
• 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
• 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

Skills

Accounting experience

Leadership

Cross-border experience

Communication skills

Education

CPA certification

MBA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Sage Intacct

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

• 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

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Finance Operations

• 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

Requirements

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