Controller

About the role

You are the architect and owner of AirGarage's accounting function and the person who makes our numbers unimpeachable. You will lead our in-house accounting team and modernize our systems and processes to build the financial foundation that a fast-scaling, capital-intensive, real-world business demands. This is a builder's role, not a maintainer's role, where you will take us from scrappy to scalable by converting our books to full accrual accounting and leading our migration from QuickBooks to a modern ERP. You will rebuild the chart of accounts, tighten the close, and get us audit-ready while ensuring revenue recognition, reconciliations, AP/AR, and payroll coordination reflect the economic reality of our marketplace. You will own the integrity of every number that rolls up to the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, connecting accounting to our data systems so operational and financial data align as one source of truth. If you love the craft of accounting and take genuine pride in clean books, tight controls, and a fast close, this is a rare chance to build the entire function your way at a company where the work directly impacts how the business operates and serves our customers. You will report to our CEO today and to finance leadership as the team grows, becoming the cornerstone accounting seat at AirGarage and the foundation for every future finance hire.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Own the end-to-end monthly close process and continuously shorten the close timeline while ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead the design and implementation of GAAP-compliant revenue recognition for a transactional, multi-location, revenue-share business model.
• Own the selection, implementation, and optimization of a modern ERP system to replace QuickBooks and support scalable operations.
• Rebuild and rationalize the chart of accounts so that location-level, team-level, and corporate reporting roll up cleanly and transparently.
• Integrate accounting systems with our data infrastructure, payments platforms, and operational data to ensure consistency and a single source of truth.
• Manage indirect tax and compliance for parking taxes, regulatory fees, and multi-jurisdiction sales and use tax across a national footprint.
• Establish internal controls, documentation, and policies to prepare the company for a formal audit and regulatory scrutiny.
• Partner with finance, operations, and product teams to align financial metrics with operational performance and strategic initiatives.
• Build and lead a high-performing in-house accounting team by setting standards, developing processes, and fostering ownership.
• Provide leadership with clear, timely, and actionable financial insights through dashboards, variance analysis, and proactive recommendations.
• Collaborate with investors and board members by preparing accurate financial reports and explaining key drivers and trade-offs.
• Oversee cash management, banking relationships, and financial risk controls to safeguard company assets and optimize liquidity.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, legal requirements, and best practices as we scale into new markets.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement to reduce manual work, increase reliability, and scale financial operations efficiently.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field or equivalent practical experience.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or actively pursuing CPA certification.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with a strong track record in closing, reporting, and financial leadership.
• Demonstrated experience implementing accrual accounting and revenue recognition for marketplace or transaction-based businesses.
• Hands-on experience with QuickBooks and migrating from legacy systems to modern ERP platforms.
• Proven ability to design and rebuild chart of accounts to support multi-entity, multi-location reporting.
• Deep understanding of indirect tax compliance, including sales tax, use tax, and parking-specific taxes across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience building internal controls, documentation, and audit readiness for growing companies.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing, developing, and motivating finance teams.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills to translate complex financial concepts for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, high-growth startup environment with evolving priorities and limited legacy constraints.
• Passionate about building scalable financial systems and taking ownership of end-to-end accounting processes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a distributed team across time zones.

Nice to have

• Experience with real estate, parking, or physical operations data integration.
• Familiarity with datapoints like real-time occupancy, dynamic pricing, license plate recognition, and sensor-driven analytics.
• Knowledge of platforms used by national real estate owners such as Hines, Greystar, or technology companies like Meta.
• Experience with automated data pipelines, modern data warehouses, and connecting operational systems to financial systems.
• Understanding of dynamic pricing models, competitor benchmarking, and revenue optimization in marketplace environments.
• Exposure to early-stage, venture-backed companies with aggressive growth targets.

Practical notes

This is a full-time on-site or remote role based in the United States with no specified hours beyond standard full-time expectations. There is no travel required, no visa sponsorship provided, and no application deadlines listed. The role focuses exclusively on accounting, finance, and system-building responsibilities without sales or external-facing duties.