Assistant Controller

Arena Intelligence, Inc.

1d

About The Position

As Assistant Controller, you'll build our accounting function from the ground up — the systems, controls, and infrastructure that support our next phase of growth. This is a rare opportunity to be the first dedicated accounting hire at a company whose customers include the world's top AI labs and enterprises, with a product that's become the industry standard for AI evaluation. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll lead all aspects of accounting: from managing day-to-day operations and owning the month-end close, to implementing core systems, standing up internal controls, and driving audit readiness. You'll work across complex enterprise contracts, own revenue recognition, and build the cost accounting framework for a fast-scaling business. You'll partner with an external accounting firm on day-to-day operations as you build out the function.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive experience in accounting, with a strong track record at high-growth technology startups. Big 4 foundation preferred.
• Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, specifically revenue recognition (ASC 606), stock-based compensation, and consolidations.
• Practical experience leading a company through its first financial statement audit and building internal controls from scratch.
• Strong background in implementing and managing ERP systems and modern finance tools (e.g., Ramp).
• CPA certification and strong technical accounting foundation required.
• A builder mindset: hands-on, resourceful, and comfortable owning both the details and the architecture of the function.
• Actively leveraging AI in your workflows today — it's already part of how you work, not something you're planning to explore.

Nice To Haves

• Experience at a high-growth AI or SaaS startup with enterprise customers.
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure cost accounting.
• Comfortable writing SQL and working in data warehouse environments to pull financial reports and validate data.
• Experience partnering directly with engineering and infrastructure teams.

Responsibilities

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes, delivering GAAP-compliant financial statements and analyses.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations including AP/AR, expense allocations, balance sheet reconciliations, and invoice reconciliation across major enterprise accounts.
• Own revenue recognition end-to-end, applying ASC 606 across complex enterprise contracts
• Design and implement scalable financial systems, processes, and controls to support rapid growth, including leading our first ERP implementation.
• Manage cash flow and working capital timing across large enterprise billing cycles.
• Build and maintain a strong internal control environment and establish accounting policies from scratch.
• Lead audit and tax readiness — serve as the primary liaison for external auditors and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal tax requirements.
• Partner with the Head of Finance and leadership to translate data into strategic insights and define the roadmap for building out the accounting function as the company scales.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and equity aligned to the markets where our team members are based.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and additional support programs.
• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI with a small, mission-driven team
• A culture that values transparency, trust, and community impact

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees