Interim Controller
Overview
Korn Ferry Interim is partnering with a rapidly growing, venture-backed technology company seeking an experienced Interim Controller to provide immediate hands-on accounting leadership.
This is an excellent opportunity for a builder-minded accounting leader who thrives in high-growth, fast-paced environments. The Interim Controller will serve as the accounting subject matter expert, operating as a hands-on individual contributor while helping strengthen processes, controls, reporting, and overall accounting operations. The role requires someone who can comfortably balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Accounting Function
- Own the controllership function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and support technical accounting requirements.
- Develop and enhance accounting policies and procedures aligned with the company's evolving business model.
Own Day-to-Day Accounting Operations
- Serve as the primary accounting leader and hands-on operator.
- Oversee general ledger activities and core accounting processes.
- Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, expense management, treasury, and cash operations.
- Partner with external service providers and accounting resources as needed.
Build Scalable Processes & Controls
- Assess and improve accounting workflows, documentation, and internal controls.
- Establish scalable accounting infrastructure to support continued growth.
- Enhance audit readiness, governance, and financial reporting processes.
- Identify opportunities for automation and operational efficiency.
Revenue Recognition & Technical Accounting
- Strengthen revenue recognition practices in accordance with ASC 606.
- Support accounting for SaaS, subscription-based, and complex customer contract arrangements.
- Improve financial visibility through reporting enhancements and chart of account optimization.
- Assist with audit preparation and technical accounting matters.
Systems & ERP Readiness
- Evaluate the current accounting technology environment and recommend improvements.
- Support ongoing accounting system and ERP-related initiatives.
- Collaborate with finance leadership on future-state accounting infrastructure and systems decisions.
- Help optimize integrations across finance and operational platforms.
Support Future Growth
- Develop processes capable of supporting future multi-entity, international, and consolidation requirements.
- Assist with foreign currency, compliance, and operational scaling considerations.
- Partner with leadership on strategic accounting decisions and growth initiatives.
Qualifications
- CPA strongly preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Proven experience as a Controller or Assistant Controller within a high-growth SaaS, technology, or venture-backed environment.
- Experience supporting Series B and/or Series C organizations experiencing rapid growth.
- Strong technical accounting expertise, including ASC 606 revenue recognition.
- Experience with audits, financial reporting, and accounting compliance.
- Demonstrated success building accounting processes, controls, and systems from the ground up.
- Comfortable operating as a "player-coach" and hands-on individual contributor.
- Ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with limited resources.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Experience
- Venture-backed software or SaaS companies.
- High-growth startup environments.
- Public accounting background.
- Experience supporting ERP selection, implementation, or optimization initiatives.
- Exposure to government contracts, usage-based revenue models, or complex contract structures.
- Experience supporting organizations preparing for significant scale and operational expansion.
Systems Experience
Experience with one or more of the following is highly preferred:
- QuickBooks
- Ramp
- Bill.com
- Stripe
- Anrok
- ERP evaluation, implementation, or optimization initiatives
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful consultant will bring a "builder" mentality and have experience establishing accounting foundations within rapidly growing organizations. They will be equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to manage daily accounting operations while helping leadership make informed decisions about future processes, controls, systems, and team structure. This individual will provide immediate relief to an understaffed accounting function while positioning the organization for long-term success.
About Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at www.Kornferry.com
