Overview:
Avalara is scaling into a multi-billion-dollar global SaaS company, and the Assistant Controller plays a critical leadership role in building a high-performing, globally consistent, and automation-enabled accounting organization. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence across the global close, consolidations, technical accounting execution, internal controls, and financial systems transformation.
We are looking for a strategic and operationally minded leader who brings deep US GAAP expertise, experience in SaaS or technology environments, and a proven ability to modernize accounting operations through automation, systems optimization, and global process redesign. The Assistant Controller partners closely with Finance, Operations, IT, and international teams to deliver a unified, scalable accounting model that meets the needs of a global enterprise.
Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities
Financial Close & Reporting
* Lead Avalara's global monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance with US GAAP, and operational scalability.
* Reduce close timelines from a 7-day cycle to public-company benchmarks through automation, improved analytical review, and consistent global workflows.
* Oversee preparation of GAAP-compliant reporting packages and deliver high-quality, decision-ready financial results.
Accounting Operations Leadership
* Manage end-to-end accounting operations, including payroll accounting, fixed assets, capitalized software, cloud computing, prepaid and expense accounting, and consolidations.
* Drive the shift from region-specific processes to a unified, global accounting model with strong documentation and clear ownership.
* Optimize shared services in India to improve quality, timeliness, efficiency, and scalability.
Systems, Automation & Process Transformation
* Lead the rollout and adoption of new accounting and AI-enabled tools; assess and support implementation of a future-state GL and related subledgers.
* Identify and eliminate manual accounting steps by implementing scalable, automated workflows.
* Partner with IT, Finance Systems, and global teams to enhance ERP functionality, improve data structure, and strengthen system integrity across multiple entities.
Technical Accounting & Policy Leadership
* Serve as a subject-matter expert on US GAAP, including ASC 340-40 (commissions), ASC 842 (leases), capitalized software, cloud computing, stock-based compensation, impairment evaluations, currency matters, and consolidation.
* Ensure accounting policies are current, practical, and consistently applied worldwide.
* Support complex accounting assessments related to global expansion, new products, new commission structures, equity and debt instruments, and partner arrangements.
Internal Controls, SOX Compliance & Risk Management
* Strengthen Avalara's internal control environment with scalable policies, documentation, and review procedures.
* Partner with Internal Audit to monitor and enhance SOX compliance, remediate deficiencies, and improve testing and documentation standards.
* Establish global workflows that ensure audit readiness and consistent compliance across entities.
Analytical Procedures & Accounting Analysis
* Build and institutionalize robust analytical review procedures, including predictive analytics, across major financial statement areas.
* Improve variance analysis quality and align financial review processes with business drivers and KPIs.
* Drive continuous improvement in data quality, insights, and close rigor.
Cross-Functional & Strategic Partnership
* Partner with FP&A, Revenue Accounting, Revenue Operations, Billing, Legal, Tax, HR, and Global Operations to ensure alignment on new initiatives and emerging financial implications.
* Support M&A due diligence, Day-1 readiness, and integration activities.
* Provide accounting leadership for global expansion, including legal entity setup, statutory alignment, tax considerations, and operational readiness.
Team Leadership & Development
* Lead, mentor, and inspire a global accounting team across onshore and offshore locations.
* Establish clear ownership, strong documentation standards, and ongoing training to elevate global team performance.
* Foster a culture rooted in Avalara's OPAH FOCUS values-Ownership, Passion, Adaptability, Humility, and operational principles including Curiosity, Urgency, Simplicity, Optimism, and Fun.
Qualifications:
Qualifications
Required
* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline required. A Master's in Accounting, Finance, or an MBA is preferred. CPA strongly preferred.
* 15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles in high-growth or large public-company environments.
* Strong command of US GAAP, including technical areas relevant to global SaaS operations.
* Demonstrated success scaling accounting operations and improving close timelines through automation and process redesign.
* Hands-on experience implementing or upgrading ERP/GL systems and leveraging AI-enabled tools in accounting workflows.
* Experience leading global accounting organizations, including establishing or managing centers of excellence.
* Proven ability to build analytical review procedures and enhance close rigor.
* Experience supporting global expansion, multi-entity operations, and multi-currency consolidation.
* Prior experience in public-company environments and SOX maturity.
Preferred
* Experience with M&A integration, international statutory compliance, and complex consolidation environments.
* Background in SaaS or subscription-based technology companies.
* Big 4 public accounting experience combined with industry operational leadership.
Share this job:
Share this Job
