Assistant Controller

Arena

Assistant Controller building accounting function from the ground up for AI evaluation platform. Leading financial operations, controls, and audit readiness in a fast-scaling company.

Posted 4/28/2026full-timeBay Area • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes, delivering GAAP-compliant financial statements and analyses.
Manage day-to-day financial operations including AP/AR, expense allocations, balance sheet reconciliations, and invoice reconciliation across major enterprise accounts.
Own revenue recognition end-to-end, applying ASC 606 across complex enterprise contracts.
Design and implement scalable financial systems, processes, and controls to support rapid growth, including leading our first ERP implementation.
Manage cash flow and working capital timing across large enterprise billing cycles.
Build and maintain a strong internal control environment and establish accounting policies from scratch.
Lead audit and tax readiness — serve as the primary liaison for external auditors and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal tax requirements.
Partner with the Head of Finance and leadership to translate data into strategic insights and define the roadmap for building out the accounting function as the company scales.

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years of progressive experience in accounting, with a strong track record at high-growth technology startups. Big 4 foundation preferred.
Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, specifically revenue recognition (ASC 606), stock-based compensation, and consolidations.
Practical experience leading a company through its first financial statement audit and building internal controls from scratch.
Strong background in implementing and managing ERP systems and modern finance tools (e.g., Ramp).
CPA certification and strong technical accounting foundation required.
A builder mindset: hands-on, resourceful, and comfortable owning both the details and the architecture of the function.
Actively leveraging AI in your workflows today — it's already part of how you work, not something you're planning to explore.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and additional support programs.
Competitive compensation and equity aligned to the markets where our team members are based.
The opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI with a small, mission-driven team.
A culture that values transparency, trust, and community impact.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

financial closesGAAP-compliant financial statementsAP/ARexpense allocationsbalance sheet reconciliationsinvoice reconciliationrevenue recognitionASC 606internal controlsfinancial statement audit

Soft Skills

builder mindsethands-onresourcefuldetail-orientedstrategic insightsleadershipcommunication

Certifications

CPA certification