Strategic Controller for AI Growth (Hybrid SF)

Vaco by Highspring; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a strategic Controller in San Francisco to lead the accounting function and build scalable financial infrastructure for rapid growth.

The role requires strong GAAP knowledge, revenue recognition and stock-based compensation expertise, plus experience with external audits, controls, and ERP systems. Hybrid in-office schedule and collaboration with executive leadership are expected.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting and leadership in a high-growth tech environment.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP with expertise in revenue recognition and stock-based compensation accounting.
• Experience managing external audits, internal controls, and audit-readiness initiatives.
• Experience implementing or managing ERP systems and driving automation improvements.
• CPA preferred; ability to communicate technical accounting conclusions to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly and quarterly close processes with timely, well-documented financial reporting.
• Research, document, and apply technical accounting guidance on revenue recognition, equity compensation, and complex transactions.
• Oversee stock-based compensation accounting, valuation coordination, and equity reporting activities.
• Design, implement, and strengthen internal controls, policies, and audit-ready processes for scalability.
• Manage external audit and tax-provider relationships, including coordination and issue resolution.
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize ERP systems and accounting workflows; drive automation initiatives.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, and operations to ensure proper accounting of contracts and transactions.
• Lead and develop accounting team while establishing scalable reporting standards.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Revenue recognition

Stock-based compensation

Audit coordination

Leadership

ERP systems

Education

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Public accounting experience

Tools

SAP

Workday

Oracle ERP

Job description

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a strategic Controller in San Francisco to lead the accounting function and build scalable financial infrastructure for rapid growth.

The role requires strong GAAP knowledge, revenue recognition and stock-based compensation expertise, plus experience with external audits, controls, and ERP systems. Hybrid in-office schedule and collaboration with executive leadership are expected.