Controller

HqO•Boston, MA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Controller to own and optimize HqO’s accounting function. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a modern SaaS environment and is excited to operate at the intersection of accounting, systems, and automation. You will inherit an accounting operation with established processes and an audit that is on track for completion. From there, your mandate is to refine, scale, and modernize - reducing manual work, leveraging automation, and building a highly efficient accounting function aligned with how modern technology enables teams today. You will be the senior accounting mind at the company and will be expected to use your experience to prioritize both the investment of your time and budget effectively. This role oversees a lean accounting team (one Staff Accountant today, with budget for an additional hire) and reports to and works alongside a strategic-leaning Sr. Finance Director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (CPA is a plus)
5–10 years of accounting experience
SaaS experience with strong understanding of revenue recognition (ASC 606)
Hands-on experience with NetSuite
Prior experience owning a close process
Prior experience leading junior accountants
Experience running or contributing meaningfully to an audit
Strong systems mindset with interest in automation and process improvement

Nice To Haves

Experience in lean teams where individuals own broad responsibilities
Exposure to multi-entity or international operations
Experience implementing automation or working with AI-driven tools
Background in high-growth or venture-backed companies
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Responsibilities

Own and be accountable for the end-to-end accounting function and serve as the primary decision-maker for accounting systems, workflows, and team structure
Lead and continuously improve the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to drive accuracy, speed, and scalability
Establish and enforce accounting policies, ensuring compliance with ASC 606 and audit standards – leveraging a strong 9-year relationship with the current audit firm
Partner with Finance on financial reporting, insights, and key business initiatives
Oversee SaaS revenue recognition, including invoicing, deferred revenue, and contract interpretation.
Oversee process improvement from Suite-Billing in Netsuite to a potentially new billing process / software such as Maxio, leveraging Hubspot CRM as the source of truth
Identify, prioritize, and implement automation opportunities across accounting workflows using internal AI/agentic tools and leveraging the internal AI subject matter experts. Including by not limited to: agents to monitor AR/AP inboxes, run cash reconciliations, and/or assist with month end review & reporting.
Own the design of the accounting function, making strategic decisions on automation vs. headcount as the business scales
Manage and develop a Staff Accountant, with responsibility for team performance and future team design
Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Legal, and GTM teams to ensure accurate financial processes and data integrity
Refine international payroll processes in conjunction with HR (less than 10% of total payroll)
Contribute meaningfully to international operations and compliance across four EMEA entities and one US entity, in conjunction with the internal legal team and external compliance partners
Own ongoing sales tax audit / process refinement with existing customer base