Senior Controller - Austin, AI-Driven Startup, GAAP & Growth

Sustainment; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Paid time off

401K matching

Company holidays

Job summary

Sustainment is seeking a highly skilled Controller to lead our accounting and financial operations from Austin, TX. This hands-on leader will build scalable processes, ensure compliance, and provide financial visibility to support rapid growth.

The ideal candidate has startup Series A/B experience, strong technical accounting, and deep GAAP knowledge, with a collaborative leadership style. The role requires local in-office presence, a track record managing audits and taxes, and a passion for

Qualifications

• CPA with strong technical accounting background.
• Startup finance experience at Series A/B stage and ability to build processes from scratch.
• Public accounting/audit experience (Big 4 or national firm preferred).
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with 2+ years in a controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own the company’s accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end close, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Establish and maintain scalable accounting policies, systems, and internal controls to support growth.
• Lead preparation of GAAP-compliant financial statements, board reporting, and investor deliverables.
• Manage external audits and act as the primary contact with auditors.
• Partner cross-functionally with leadership to provide insights into financial performance and support strategic decision-making.
• Own monthly budget vs. actuals analysis, partnering with budget owners to explain variances, identify key drivers, and incorporate changes into the next forecast.
• Oversee tax, compliance, and regulatory filings in coordination with external partners.
• Implement and optimize financial systems and tools to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Mentor and build a high-performing accounting team as the company scales.

Skills

CPA

Startup finance

GAAP

Audits

AI tools

Attention to detail

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial systems

Education

CPA

Tools

Claude

Job description

Sustainment is seeking a highly skilled Controller to lead our accounting and financial operations from Austin, TX. This hands-on leader will build scalable processes, ensure compliance, and provide financial visibility to support rapid growth.

The ideal candidate has startup Series A/B experience, strong technical accounting, and deep GAAP knowledge, with a collaborative leadership style. The role requires local in-office presence, a track record managing audits and taxes, and a passion for