financeroles

Contract Controller/Finance Leader (Tech Software/Hardware)

Launch Finance Open · verified Oct 22, 2026
On-site San Mateo Full-time Mid-level Accounting

At a glance

Mid-level Accounting role at Launch Finance. San Mateo · full-time · $200,000–$220,000 base.

SalaryStated by Launch Finance
$200,000 – $220,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from Launch FinanceOur estimate for the market: $132,500–$160,625Median $147,500
Above the market median of $147,500 for mid-level accounting roles in San Mateo.
Worked out from 6 postings that stated pay, median $147,500. Last updated Oct 21, 2026.
RoleAccounting
SeniorityMid-level
LocationSan Mateo
WorkplaceOn-site
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$200,000–$220,000
PostedJun 12, 2026 · 4mo ago
Role brief

financeroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

  • Run billing, receivables, payables, the general ledger and revenue recognition, then deliver accurate financial statements
  • Manage month- and year-end close, keeping financial records dependable and reporting packages useful to leadership
  • Support budgets and forecasts, investigate variances and explain the business factors behind financial results
  • Work with engineering, sales and operations to connect business activity with financial impact and decisions
  • Strengthen accounting policies, controls, workflows and systems while preparing for audits and compliance

What you bring

  • At least ten years in accounting and finance, including controller or equivalent lead responsibilities
  • Hands-on Controller experience in SaaS, with a strong grasp of ARR, revenue recognition and deferred revenue
  • Practical Sage Intacct experience, plus deep familiarity with close processes and financial statements
  • A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related area, and experience at a small or mid-sized venture-backed company

Who this fits

This suits a hands-on finance leader who can work independently, manage competing priorities and support a globally distributed organization. You must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area and attend periodic in-person meetings on the Peninsula. The role starts as a contract engagement, with potential full-time conversion based on mutual fit.

From the employer

Our client is a venture-backed Technology company looking for a hands-on Controller to lead both accounting and core finance operations.

This role is structured as a contract-to-hire engagement, with the expectation of full-time conversion based on mutual fit.

The Controller will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financials while also supporting forecasting, financial visibility, and day-to-day decision-making across the business.

This is a hands-on role in a lean environment, where the Controller will play a key role in bringing structure, consistency, and clarity to the financial function.

What You'll Own

  • Accounting & Close
    • Lead all accounting operations: Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, and Revenue Recognition
    • Own month-end and year-end close processes
    • Prepare timely, accurate financial statements
  • Financial Reporting & Visibility
    • Build and maintain internal reporting packages for leadership
    • Ensure consistency and integrity of financial data across the organization
    • Provide insight into financial performance, not just reporting
  • Planning & Forecasting
    • Support budgeting and forecasting processes
    • Analyze variances and help leadership understand drivers of performance
    • Improve forecasting accuracy over time
  • Operational Finance
    • Partner cross-functionally (Engineering, Sales, Operations) to align financials with business activity
    • Translate business activity into financial impact and decision support
    • Identify areas where process, structure, or visibility needs to improve
  • Process & Controls
    • Develop and refine accounting policies and internal controls
    • Improve workflows and systems to support scale
    • Ensure readiness for audit and compliance requirements

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience as a Controller in a SaaS environment
  • Experience owning both accounting and finance responsibilities
  • Ability to operate in a lean, fast-moving environment with competing priorities
  • Comfortable working in a globally distributed organization
  • Strong ownership mindset with the ability to operate independently

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to step into a role with real ownership, bring structure to a complex environment, and work closely with leadership as the business continues to evolve.

Work Environment

  • Hybrid role with periodic in-person collaboration required in the Peninsula area
  • Candidates must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area

Requirements

  • 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including time as a Controller or equivalent lead role
  • Deep understanding of SaaS metrics (ARR, revenue recognition, deferred revenue, etc.)
  • Hands-on experience with Sage Intacct
  • Proven working experience as a Controller in a small to mid-size VC backed company
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (advanced degree a plus)
  • CPA or CMA preferred
  • Deep experience with month-end close and financial statement preparation
  • Understanding of GAAP and financial reporting

Benefits

  • Contract Phase (Initial Engagement):
    • Hourly rate
    • No benefits during the contract period
  • Upon Conversion to Full-Time:
    • Base salary: $200,000–$220,000 + bonus
    • Health benefits: 100% employee / 95% dependent coverage
    • Discretionary PTO
    • 401(k) (no match)
    • Additional long-term incentive tied to company outcomes