Accountant

About the role

Clay builds and maintains core accounting operations while owning end to end accounting processes. This role executes close activities and strengthens financial controls to support accurate reporting. You align finance with business planning through cross functional partnership with operations and leadership.

Finance teams manage money, forecasts, and reporting. Analysts build models and explain variance. Controllers run accounting and compliance. FP&A professionals support decisions with budgets and forecasts. The work is precise, deadline driven, and tied to business results. Finance teams follow tight calendars, with monthly closes and annual planning cycles. Accuracy and auditability are expected on every deliverable.

Key facts

What you'll do

The team drives finance system implementations and workflow automation to improve process reliability.

Revenue recognition is managed in accordance with US GAAP, including project based and multi period engagements for timely financial reporting.

Cash flow management and forecasting activities are supported to inform leadership decisions and highlight potential constraints. Financial statements and internal management reports are prepared for internal stakeholders to communicate financial position clearly.

Accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls are maintained and enhanced over time to reflect evolving business needs.

Requirements

CPA certification is required with knowledge of US GAAP, specifically ASC 606, to ensure consistent application of revenue standards. Experience from Big 4 public accounting and high growth tech startup is required to navigate complex financial environments.

Ability to bridge finance and go to market operations while working cross functionally on projects is required for effective collaboration. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required to convey financial insights to diverse stakeholders.

Proven expertise with Excel and extreme attention to detail are required to manage accurate financial records and analysis. Ability to thrive in a fast paced, high growth startup and manage competing priorities is required to meet demanding deadlines.

Nice to have

Experience with system implementations including ERP and revenue related modules is preferred to accelerate process standardization. Experience with SQL or managing heavy data process flows is preferred to handle large data sets efficiently.

Use of AI or automation to improve workflows and drive efficiencies is preferred to support scalable operations and reduce manual effort.

Practical notes

Role is based onsite in New York. Position is full time with equity offered. Typical interview steps

Finance interviews usually include technical questions on accounting or modeling, a case study, and behavioral rounds. Candidates may be asked to build a forecast or explain a variance. Spreadsheet skills are tested in most loops. Accuracy and clear explanations matter. Interviewers may give a real dataset and ask for a quick analysis. Showing your work and explaining assumptions matters as much as the final number.

Good to know

Accountant roles center on accurate financial reporting and compliance. Core tools often include ERP systems, spreadsheet software, and data platforms. Professionals in this role typically collaborate across finance and operations teams. Analytical rigor and communication skills are essential in fast growth environments. This role participates in cross functional initiatives that align financial planning with business strategy.

Questions to ask

Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.

Career growth

Finance careers move from analyst to senior analyst, manager, and controller or FP&A director levels. Some people earn certifications such as CPA or CFA. Cross-functional work with operations and leadership grows with seniority. Finance careers reward precision early and business partnership later. Learning the operations of the company beyond the numbers accelerates growth.