Controller

Leena AI; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Leena AI is seeking a seasoned accounting leader to build and scale the finance function across the US and India. You will own the close, GAAP reporting, and compliance while partnering with auditors and executives on strategic initiatives.

The role requires hands-on ERP experience (NetSuite/Sage Intacct), cross-border operations expertise, and a CPA with strong leadership. You will mentor a growing team and interact with Legal, Sales, and Engineering on commercial terms.

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 (US-India) accounting operations.
• Experience supporting institutional fundraising (Series B/C or later).
• CPA required; MBA a plus.
• Big 4 or public accounting background a plus.

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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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).
• 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.
• 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

Multi-entity accounting

US GAAP ASC 606

Series fundraising

Audit coordination

SaaS/tech accounting

Controller experience

CPA

Big 4 background

Education

CPA

MBA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Sage Intacct

Job description

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

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