Controller

Pilot.com•San Francisco, CA

10h•$200,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Pilot is seeking a Controller to lead its accounting operations. This role involves defining AI-native finance and accounting practices, managing the underlying processes and systems that AI relies on, and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting. As a player-coach, the Controller will own accounting operations, develop the team, design the close process, controls, and systems, and be hands-on in closing the books. This individual will serve as the trusted accounting expert for leadership and a partner to other teams, reporting directly to the CFO.

Requirements

15+ years of accounting experience, including time as a Controller or equivalent scope.
Startup experience, with a proven ability to build and operate in a resource-constrained, fast-moving environment.
A builder with a bias for improving processes rather than preserving outdated ones.
Deep US GAAP knowledge with hands-on ASC 606 experience, ideally in SaaS or subscription businesses.
Fluency with modern accounting tools (QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar ERP).
Enthusiasm for adopting AI in the accounting function.
Strong communication skills to build relationships and align teams in a remote or hybrid setting.

Nice To Haves

Big 4 or public accounting background.
CPA certification.
ASC 718 stock based compensation accounting experience.
ASC 842 lease accounting experience.
Fintech, bookkeeping, or B2B SaaS experience.
ERP / financial system implementation experience.
Fundraise or investor diligence support experience.

Responsibilities

Own the monthly close, compliance, audit, revenue, AP/AR, treasury, and payroll, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Lead and grow the existing accounting team, focusing on people development, hiring, and team workflow.
Be hands-on in accounting tasks such as completing reconciliations, posting journal entries, and managing the close process.
Rethink team functions and structure as tools automate manual work, shifting focus to judgment and strategy.
Build and automate controls and policies to support scaling, acting as an early internal power user of Meridian.
Lead major projects including ERP and billing system implementation, running Pilot's finance stack on Pilot, and supporting fundraising and diligence.
Translate complex accounting concepts into clear language for non-finance stakeholders.
Serve as an accounting partner to other departments (FP&A, RevOps, etc.) to unblock business initiatives and provide informed guidance.
Adopt a proactive, problem-solving approach, prioritizing business enablement while protecting financial integrity.
Take a proactive, roll-up-your-sleeves approach to problem solving and execution.