Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller

Industry:

FinTech / Payments

Location:

Hybrid, Chicago (Brand new office)

About the Company

Our client is a high growth FinTech company in the payments sector, building modern infrastructure that powers transactions at scale. With strong revenue momentum and significant institutional backing, the company is now investing in its finance and accounting foundation to support its next phase of growth.

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller will serve as the most senior accounting leader in the organization and will be responsible for building the accounting function from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to design the close process, establish policies and procedures, select and implement the ERP, prepare the company for its first audit, and hire the team that will support a rapidly scaling business.

This role is ideal for a technically strong CPA from public accounting who wants true ownership, the chance to build something from scratch, and a clear path to grow into a Controller seat as the function matures.

Key Responsibilities

Build the Function

• Establish the accounting function end to end, including policies, procedures, and documentation
• Design and implement a scalable monthly, quarterly, and annual close process
• Build the chart of accounts, accounting policies, and close calendar to support a high growth payments business
• Hire, mentor, and develop the accounting team over time

Systems and Infrastructure

• Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of the ERP system
• Evaluate and implement supporting tools across AP, expense management, billing, revenue, and reconciliations
• Design workflows and integrations between accounting systems and the company's payments and operational platforms

Audit Readiness and Reporting

• Prepare the company for its first external financial statement audit, including selecting the audit firm and managing the engagement
• Build audit ready workpapers, schedules, and supporting documentation
• Own US GAAP financial reporting and lead technical accounting research and memos
• Address payments specific accounting matters including revenue recognition under ASC 606, interchange, processing fees, settlement, reserves, and chargebacks

Controls and Compliance

• Design and implement the internal control environment, with an eye toward SOX readiness as the company scales
• Support tax compliance in coordination with external advisors
• Help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements relevant to payments and money movement

Business Partnership

• Partner with FP\&A, leadership, and the board on financial reporting and key business decisions
• Provide accounting guidance on new products, contracts, and strategic initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Active CPA license (required)
• Public accounting experience at a Big 4 or large regional firm (required)
• 5\+ years of progressive accounting experience, including time in industry
• Strong technical accounting skills
• Experience building or significantly improving accounting processes, controls, and close cycles
• Self starter who is comfortable building from a blank page in a fast paced environment

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary plus performance bonus
• Meaningful equity participation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Hybrid schedule
• The chance to build the accounting function from the ground up, with a clear path to the Controller seat as the company scales