Senior Accountant

Luminary; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lunch catering

Health insurance

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Luminary is seeking a Senior Accountant to build the financial foundation of a fast-growing SaaS company. You will own the month-end close, design scalable controls, and partner with Cross-functional teams on revenue recognition and reporting. Big 4 public accounting experience is preferred, with in-house SaaS experience valued. CPA is a plus.

You’ll drive automation, manage AP/AR, fixed assets, and multi-state tax filings while supporting audits and process improvements as the company scales.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of progressive accounting experience in a high-growth SaaS environment.
• Big 4 public accounting background preferred (audit or transaction advisory).
• Experience with ASC 606 and revenue recognition for recurring models.
• CPA or active pursuit preferred; CPA preferred for industry roles.

Responsibilities

• Own month-end close, journal entries, reconciliations, and schedules.
• Manage AP/AR, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, and GL integrity.
• Design and maintain internal controls, assisting auditors.
• Collaborate with Sales and Ops on contract terms, billing, and revenue implications.
• Lead process improvements and automation of accounting workflows.
• Oversee multi-state sales tax filings and monitor withholding tax compliance.

Skills

ASC 606

SaaS revenue recognition

Financial modeling

Excel/Google Sheets

Process automation

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA license or active pursuit

Tools

NetSuite

QuickBooks Online

Ramp

Rippling

Job description

Luminary enables engineers to embed physics into AI, transforming how complex physical systems are designed, built, and operated. By replacing thousands of traditional simulations with rapid, AI-driven predictions, Luminary unlocks a new level of speed and scale in engineering workflows. Its Physics AI models help designers and engineers instantly predict the physical performance of products such as vehicles, aircraft, electronics, and turbomachinery. Luminary’s customers span aerospace and defense, automotive, industrial manufacturing, and sporting goods, including organizations like Honda, Otto Aerospace, Joby Aviation, and Sceye. The company is growing and expanding its team, offering opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge engineering technology.

Role Description:

We're looking for a Senior Accountant who wants to help build the financial foundation of a fast-growing SaaS company. The ideal candidate will play a key role in the month-end close while helping build the systems, controls, and processes that will scale with us as we grow. Big 4 public accounting experience preferred, particularly for candidates transitioning into industry. Candidates with equivalent experience in a high-growth SaaS environment are also considered.

Key duties, responsibilities, and deliverables:

• Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process in partnership with the Controller
• Own journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Own accounting activities related to AP/AR, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, and general ledger integrity
• Assist the Controller in designing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls as the company scales toward audit-readiness
• Support the annual external audit — preparing documentation, schedules, and liaising directly with auditors
• Own multi-state sales tax filings and monitor withholding tax compliance performed by third-party providers
• Drive process improvements and automation, including enhancements to accounting systems and workflows
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales and Ops on contract terms, billing, and revenue implications
• Take on ad hoc projects and special analyses as the finance function matures

Expertise and qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with ASC 606, preferably in a SaaS or subscription-based environment, including deferred revenue and recurring revenue recognition
• Experience with modern accounting/ERP systems preferred (NetSuite or QuickBooks Online, Ramp, Rippling, or similar); comfort adopting new tools in a fast-changing environment
• Strong Excel/Google Sheets skills; experience building financial schedules and analyses; financial modeling experience a plus
• Demonstrated ability to independently own significant components of the month-end close, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules
• Experience building or improving internal controls and process documentation
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to explain accounting and financial results clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• High attention to detail balanced with an ability to move fast and prioritize in an ambiguous, high-growth environment
• Drive to use AI tools to automate routine journal entries, bank reconciliations, and month-end close tasks.

Background and experience:

• 4–6 years of progressive accounting experience
• Big 4 public accounting background preferred (audit or transaction advisory experience valued)
• Prior in-house experience at a SaaS or subscription-based company or CPA firm, particularly with revenue recognition for recurring-revenue models
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA license or active pursuit preferred
• Experience operating in a high-growth or startup environment — comfortable with limited process and building things from scratch
• Track record of working cross-functionally beyond traditional accounting/finance silos

Compensation:

The base salary range for this position is $100,000 – $160,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on a range of factors, including relevant experience, technical skills, certifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for equity in the form of stock options, and a comprehensive benefits package including lunch catering, company-paid health insurances (medical, dental, and vision coverage), 401(k), and unlimited paid time off.