Controller

Lightning AI•San Francisco, CA

2h•$180,000 - $220,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lightning AI is the company reimagining the way AI is built. After creating and releasing PyTorch Lightning in 2019, Lightning AI was launched to reshape the development of artificial intelligence products for commercial and academic use. We are on a mission to simplify AI development, making it accessible to everyone—from solo researchers to large enterprises. By removing the complexity of building and deploying AI tools, we empower innovators to focus on solving real-world problems. Our platform is built to scale with the latest AI advancements while staying intuitive and adaptable, so you can bring your ideas to life. We have offices in New York City, San Francisco, and London and are backed by investors such as Coatue, Index Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and Firstminute. We are looking for a controller as our first in-house financial member of the team. This candidate will have vast knowledge and experience in SaaS and GAAP accounting practices. The Financial Controller will play a key role in providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making and driving the company's financial growth. This is an exciting opportunity to get in early at a Series B company and influence the future of the finance team at Lightning AI. You will be joining the Finance Team and report to our VP of Finance. This is a hybrid role based in either our New York City or San Francisco office with in-office requirements of 2 days per week. The salary range for this role is $180,000-$220,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or equivalent certification preferred.
Extensive experience in finance and accounting within a SaaS or technology company, with a solid understanding of GAAP accounting
Strong analytical skills, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. Ability to conduct in-depth financial analyses, particularly around cloud and operational costs.
Proficiency with ERP and financial systems (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills. Familiarity with cloud cost management is a plus.
In-depth understanding of local, state, and federal reporting requirements and compliance standards. Preferred understanding of UK regulations as well as US regulations.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for presenting financial insights to senior leadership and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with the confidence to shape and lead financial operations in a growing startup.
Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions, prioritize tasks effectively, and contribute to high-impact strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

Oversee all financial operations including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for Lightning AI
Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances
Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements including balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements
Conduct financial analysis to pinpoint trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement and cost cutting, pertaining to cloud costs specifically
Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and financial performance to support effective cash management and decision-making in respects to company runway
Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings; ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards
Support the executive team with key financial information and operational analytics, and drive a culture of accountability in managing the business
Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
Leverage previous experience at a professional accounting firm and as a controller at a venture backed SaaS company
Lead the company through audit readiness, ensuring successful completion of all future audits

Benefits

We offer competitive base salaries and stock options with a 25% one year cliff and monthly vesting thereafter. For our international employees, we work with our EOR to pay you in your local currency and provide equitable benefits across the globe.
Medical, dental and vision
Life and AD&D insurance
Flexible paid time off including winter closure
Generous paid family leave benefits
$500 monthly meal reimbursement, including groceries & food delivery services
$500 one time home office stipend
$1,000 annual learning & development stipend
100% Citibike membership (NYC only)
$45/month gym membership
Additional various medical and mental health services