Controller
Accounting & Finance
Austin, TX, USA
ClearJet is revolutionizing the logistics industry by connecting underutilized infrastructure assets with cutting-edge technology. We focus on optimizing middle-mile efficiency to ensure rapid, reliable express delivery worldwide for our e-commerce clients.
The RoleWe're hiring a Controller to own all day-to-day accounting operations and the integrity of our financial reporting. This is a foundational hire: you'll inherit a small, capable accounting team and a modern systems stack, and you'll be the person who turns it into an audit-ready, scalable function. You'll run the close, lead and develop the accounting team, stand up the controls and processes a Series B company needs, and eventually lead ClearJet through its first external audit. As the lead technical accounting authority you will be responsible for GAAP judgement and partner closely with the VP of Finance, reporting to investors and the board, and the systems and process work required to scale.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll be comfortable both setting policy and being in the detail — reconciling an account one moment and designing the close calendar the next.
ClearJet operates as a single US entity today, but we expect to expand into multiple legal entities and international operations within the next 6–12 months. You'll help architect the accounting function to support that transition — consolidations, intercompany, multi-currency, and cross-border compliance — so the structure scales cleanly rather than being retrofitted later.
What You'll OwnFinancial close & reporting
- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, driving toward a faster, cleaner cycle as the company scales.
- Produce accurate, timely GAAP financial statements and supporting schedules.
- Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts in Sage Intacct; own the integrity of the actuals that feed the three-statement model.
- Documentation of the major reconciling items between cash and accrual in the models such as capitalized software.
- Deliver reporting packages for the VP of Finance, board, and investors.
Revenue & technical accounting
- Own revenue recognition under ASC 606 for our take-rate, launch-date-driven revenue model, including the policies and documentation that hold up under audit scrutiny.
- Research and document technical accounting positions; maintain accounting policies and memos.
- Own software capitalization, stage determination, amortization and impairment, and the cross functional process with Engineering/Product to source reliable cost data.
Equity & Stock based compensation
- Own stock-based compensation accounting under ASC 718 and the equity roll-forward that feeds the close and fully-diluted share count in model.
- Own accounting integrity of the cap table: reconcile equity ledger to the GL each close and ensure grants, exercises, and cancellations are captured accurately.
- Coordinate company’s 409A valuation with independent provider and apply its outputs in the ASC 718 accounting.
Audit & controls
- Lead ClearJet's first external financial statement audit end to end — readiness, PBC management, and serving as the primary point of contact for auditors.
- Design and implement internal controls and accounting policies appropriate to our size and risk, building toward a control environment that supports future scale and diligence.
- Develop documentation methodology and control that reliably captures developer time/cost by capitalized project.
- Prepare the accounting function for multi-entity and international operations expected within 6–12 months — entity structure, consolidations, intercompany accounting, and foreign currency — partnering with the VP of Finance and external advisors on the build-out.
Operations: payroll, AP/AR, treasury
- Oversee payroll accounting and reconciliation (ADP), accounts payable, accounts receivable, and expense management.
- Manage cash and bank reconciliations and support treasury and runway reporting.
- Own the close-side mechanics behind accruals, prepaids, fixed assets, and equity.
Compliance & tax
- Manage compliance across federal, state, and local requirements (including multi-state payroll/registration as we hire across the country), and prepare for international tax, payroll, and statutory requirements as we expand abroad.
- Own coordination with external tax advisors on income tax provision (including transfer pricing as expand abroad), filings, and 1099/sales-and-use as applicable.
Team & systems leadership
- Manage, mentor, and develop the Senior and Junior Accountants; build the structure and hiring plan as the team grows.
- Level up and expand team so day to day execution is well covered-keeping your focus on technical accounting, controls, and audit as the company scales.
- Own and optimize the accounting tech stack (Sage Intacct, ADP, Carta) and drive automation and process improvement.
- Partner with the VP of Finance on FP&A inputs, investor/board reporting, and Series B–related accounting workstreams.
- A documented, repeatable close calendar with a measurably shorter cycle.
- ASC 606 revenue policies documented and consistently applied.
- Audit readiness established and the first external audit underway or completed.
- A baseline set of internal controls and accounting policies in place.
- A clear plan — and the foundational structure — for supporting multi-entity and international operations as they come online.
- The existing team leveled up, with a clear plan for scaling headcount.
Required
- 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a leadership or Controller/Assistant Controller role.
- Strong technical command of US GAAP, with hands-on ASC 606 revenue recognition experience, ASC 718 Sock based compensation, ASC 350-40 Capitalized internal-use software.
- Demonstrated ownership of a full monthly close and GAAP financial statements.
- Experience leading or managing an external audit.
- People management experience, including developing junior staff.
- Advanced Excel; comfort working alongside a detailed three-statement financial model.
- Strong communication skills and the judgment to operate with limited oversight in a fast-moving environment.
Strongly preferred
- CPA.
- Public accounting background (Big 4 or national firm), ideally combined with high-growth, VC-backed startup experience.
- Equity administration and 409A coordination, ideally in a VC-backed environment.
- Hands-on experience with Sage Intacct and ADP.
- Exposure to logistics, supply chain, marketplace, or transaction/take-rate revenue models.
- Experience standing up or operating multi-entity consolidations and international accounting (intercompany, foreign currency, cross-border tax/payroll).
- Familiarity with the demands of a Series B environment — investor reporting, scaling controls, and diligence.
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus bonus, equity and a full benefits package, including a 401k match.
ClearJet is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.