Controller

Location: New York, United States (Hybrid) - Hybrid - 3 days per week

Hybrid | Full-time

Compensation: $185K - $235K

We are hiring on behalf of our client who is a high-growth financial technology firm backed by $40M in funding from premier venture capital firms, including Electric Capital and Paradigm. The organization is currently bridging the gap between traditional Wall Street infrastructure and the future of decentralized finance by rebuilding global financial systems on-chain.

As the organization prepares for its next stage of institutional scale, our client seeks a highly disciplined and tech-forward Controller to lead the finance function. This individual will be responsible for building the financial foundation of the company from the ground up, establishing the systems, controls, and institutional standards required by the world’s largest financial institutions. This is a solo leadership hybrid role based in New York City and requires a professional who is equally comfortable with high-level strategic modeling and hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Accounting Management: Own the full accounting cycle, including journal entries, reconciliations, and the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Financial Reporting: Produce accurate financial statements, board-level reporting, and consistent financial updates for leadership.
• Internal Controls & Compliance: Design and implement a robust internal control environment, including segregation of duties, approval workflows, and documentation standards to ensure GAAP compliance and audit readiness.
• Treasury and Equity Administration: Manage the tax and compliance calendar, oversee cash flow forecasting, and handle the financial aspects of equity issuances, including 409A processes.
• Strategic Finance Partnership: Act as a strategic partner to leadership by supporting budgeting, scenario analysis, and variance analysis; lead financial diligence for future fundraising rounds.
• Technology Integration: Build and configure a scalable finance and accounting tech stack, leveraging AI tools as a force multiplier to increase automation, speed, and accuracy across the function.

Requirements

• Experience: 6–10 years of finance and accounting experience. A background in public accounting (Big 4 or mid-tier) combined with in-house experience at a high-growth startup is strongly preferred.
• Certification: CPA designation is highly preferred; however, candidates with a proven track record of equivalent technical rigor will be considered.
• Location: Must be based in or willing to relocate to New York City. This is an on-site role and is not eligible for remote work.
• Proven Autonomy: Experience running a finance or accounting function largely solo. The ideal candidate enjoys "being the team" and building the function rather than managing a large department.
• AI Proficiency: Demonstrated experience as an AI power user, utilizing advanced tools to optimize financial modeling, research, and documentation.
• Technical Interest: A genuine interest in crypto, digital assets, or Web3 accounting. While direct experience in this sector is a plus, the ability to quickly master the nuances of on-chain finance is essential.
• Builder Mentality: A proactive approach to establishing processes from scratch rather than following a pre-defined playbook.

Benefits

• Career-Defining Scope: The opportunity to set the financial standard for a company transforming institutional finance with direct exposure to early-stage growth and revenue modeling.
• Immediate Impact: High level of autonomy to shape the chart of accounts, control frameworks, and financial systems from day one.
• Elite Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a leadership team with deep experience from top-tier institutions such as Blackstone, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs.
• AI-First Culture: Join an organization where AI integration in finance is a core expectation and supported with the necessary budget and leadership buy-in.
• Compensation: Competitive base salary plus up to 1% equity.
• Comprehensive Package: Medical, dental, and vision healthcare, 401(k) plan, and generous PTO.

Interview Process

1. Hiring Manager Interview: A 30-minute introductory conversation with the Operations Manager regarding background and technical experience.
2. Talent Acquisition Call: A 30-minute discussion focused on the role, company stage, and cultural alignment.
3. Technical Interview: A deep-dive session with the leadership team (specific details and format to be provided to shortlisted candidates).
4. Final Interview: A 30-minute final session prior to the offer stage.

Due to the high volume of applications we anticipate, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback to all candidates. If you do not hear back from us within 4 weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. We genuinely appreciate your interest and wish you the best in your job search.

Commitment to Equality and Accessibility:

At MLabs, we are committed to offer equal opportunities to all candidates. We ensure no discrimination, accessible job adverts, and providing information in accessible formats. Our goal is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace with equal opportunities for all. If you need any reasonable adjustments during any part of the hiring process or you would like to see the job-advert in an accessible format please let us know at the earliest opportunity by emailing human-resources@mlabs.city.

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