Director, Assistant Controller

Apollo.io•San Francisco, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Apollo.io is seeking a Director, Assistant Controller to join a high-growth, pre-IPO SaaS company. This role is crucial to the accounting function, overseeing the month-end close, leading external audits, and developing a high-performing team. The ideal candidate is a strong operational accountant with experience building and managing accounting functions in a SaaS environment. This is an execution-focused role requiring a clean and efficient accounting function, with the technical breadth to advise on complex accounting matters. The position reports to the Controller and leads the core Accounting GL team, with significant potential for growth as the company expands.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
CPA designation required
8–10 years of progressive accounting experience
SaaS industry experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience owning the month-end close and managing the external audit end-to-end
Hands-on team management experience — you've hired, developed, and held people accountable
Working knowledge of SaaS revenue recognition (ASC 606) — sufficient to review complex arrangements and identify issues that require escalation
Familiarity with capitalized software (ASC 350-40) and equity accounting (ASC 718) is a meaningful differentiator
Startup mindset — comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with ambiguity and shifting priorities; able to pivot quickly and roll up your sleeves as a preparer when needed
Comfortable in a systems-intensive environment; experience with NetSuite, Zip, Stripe, or comparable platforms a plus
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalate
Demonstrated ability to identify, implement, and improve financial systems, automation, and AI tooling that drive scalability and efficiency
Proven track record of effective communication at all levels of the organization — clear, direct, and confident presenting to senior leadership
High degree of self-awareness, humility, and collaborative instincts; this team values business partnership as much as technical rigor
Candidates located in the Bay Area are strongly preferred

Nice To Haves

Experience with NetSuite, Zip, Stripe, or comparable platforms
Familiarity with capitalized software (ASC 350-40) and equity accounting (ASC 718)

Responsibilities

Lead the accounting function with the ability to define and implement an effective controllership framework that scales with the business
Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, maximizing the efficient use of resources to ensure timely and accurate results
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team, building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance
Lead the year-end audit and serve as the primary point of contact for the external audit team, coordinating PBC requests, substantive testing, and audit committee deliverables
Strengthen accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance structures — carrying out regular reviews to ensure they remain effective as the company scales toward IPO readiness
Partner with Controller on technical accounting matters including revenue recognition (ASC 606), internally developed capitalized software (ASC 350-40), and stock-based compensation (ASC 718)
Drive process improvement initiatives, including AI tooling adoption, to keep systems and controls effective as the company scales
Keep the Controller and CFO informed of key financial reporting activities, close status, and financial risks to the business
Contribute to financial strategy and operational initiatives that support the company's growth objectives