Controller

Mainstay; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Mainstay is hiring a Controller to lead our accounting function as we scale. You'll own the monthly close process end-to-end, build and enforce the internal control environment, and serve as the company's primary authority on technical accounting and financial reporting, partnering closely with the Head of Finance on the broader finance strategy.

This role will define and implement scalable finance and accounting data structures, own the external audit relationship, and collaborate on budgeting,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required or equivalent.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or Assistant Controller roles.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and consolidated financial statements.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with a modern ERP/accounting system.
• Experience building and leading an accounting team and managing external audits.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process end-to-end.
• Prepare and own GAAP financial statements and management reporting packages.
• Design, implement, and enforce internal controls for scalable growth.
• Set accounting policy on revenue recognition, leases, equity, and other complex areas.
• Define and implement scalable finance data structures across ERP and data assets.
• Manage the external audit relationship, including PBC schedules and auditor coordination.
• Partner with Head of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Collaborate with Legal and People teams to manage the cap table.
• Lead the accounting function and mentor staff; drive automation and process improvements.

Skills

U.S. GAAP

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Ramp

Rippling

Shareworks

Sage Intacct

Job description

About Mainstay

Mainstay is the leading market intelligence platform purpose built for buying, managing, and selling homes in the single family rental industry. As an AI native company, we turn complex data into clarity that helps the industry move forward with confidence. Founded within Opendoor, Mainstay launched as an independent company in 2024 and recently raised a Series A round led by Khosla Ventures.

About Mainstay

Mainstay is the leading market intelligence platform purpose built for buying, managing, and selling homes in the single family rental industry. As an AI native company, we turn complex data into clarity that helps the industry move forward with confidence. Founded within Opendoor, Mainstay launched as an independent company in 2024 and recently raised a Series A round led by Khosla Ventures.

Ready to shape the future of real estate with AI? Join Mainstay and help us redefine what’s possible in the single family rental space.

If you thrive on solving complex problems and want to make a tangible impact in a fast-growing industry, we’d love to hear from you

Role Overview

Mainstay is hiring a Controller to lead our accounting function as we scale. You'll own the monthly close process end-to-end, build and enforce the internal control environment, and serve as the company's primary authority on technical accounting and financial reporting, partnering closely with the Head of Finance on the broader finance strategy.

What You'll Do

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process in full, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and consolidations


• Prepare and take final ownership of accurate, timely GAAP financial statements and supporting management reporting packages


• Design, implement, and enforce the internal control environment as Mainstay scales, building the foundation for future audit and compliance requirements


• Set technical accounting policy — researching and documenting positions on revenue recognition, equity, leases, and other complex areas, and serving as the company's point of authority on GAAP matters


• Define and implement scalable finance and accounting data structures across the ERP, internally managed databases, and fragmented product group data assets


• Own the external audit relationship, including PBC schedules, auditor coordination, and final resolution of technical issues


• Partner with the Head of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis


• Partner with Legal and People teams to maintain and manage the cap table


• Build, manage, and mentor the accounting team as it grows, including hiring and development of accounting staff


• Own accounting systems and ERP strategy, driving automation and process improvement as transaction volume increases


• Lead ad hoc projects tied to fundraising, board reporting, and other strategic initiatives

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred


• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including prior experience as a Controller or Assistant Controller


• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, with demonstrated experience owning a complete close and preparing consolidated financial statements independently


• Advanced Excel skills and experience with a modern ERP/accounting system


• Prior experience managing and developing an accounting team

Nice to Have

• Experience at a high-growth, VC-backed startup, especially one that has scaled its finance function from the ground up


• Experience working with tools such as Ramp, Rippling, Shareworks, and Sage Intacct


• Experience implementing or migrating accounting systems


• Experience managing external audit and tax return processes end-to-end


• Experience presenting financials to a board or investors

Mainstay Built on Trust

At Mainstay, trust is at the core of everything we do. We build trust with everyone -- from candidates to employees to partners. We believe in fairness and openness throughout our hiring process, evaluating candidates based on qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. Our privacy practices describe how we handle applicant information, you can find the policy details for California residents here.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, religious beliefs, or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail]