Controller

About Us

Groundswell is an early-stage startup with a lean, passionate team focused on building meaningful products with real-world impact. We believe great work happens when talented people are trusted, empowered, and given real ownership—and when they enjoy the ride together.

Our culture is values-driven, fast-moving, and highly autonomous. We tackle hard problems, learn quickly, and operate without unnecessary process, politics, or red tape. This is not a place for people who need constant direction or guaranteed outcomes—it’s a place for builders who want more than the status quo.

We value growth through learning, impact, and ownership, not just titles or org charts. We offer competitive compensation and meaningful equity, and we’re looking for people who want to help shape the product, the company, and the future of the space.

Groundswell is at a pivotal moment of growth, with strong momentum and a clear vision. If you want to look back and say “I helped build that,” not just *“I worked there,” you’ll feel at home here.

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About the Role

We are seeking an in-house, part-time Fractional Controller or Accounting Manager (approx. 15 hours per week) to own and elevate our accounting and financial operations. This role is ideal for a hands-on finance manager who has worked with venture-backed startups, understands complex intercompany accounting, and is comfortable operating in a lean, high-growth environment.

This person will partner closely with executive leadership, manage outsourced bookkeeping partners, and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting while building scalable processes to support growth.

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Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Own the monthly close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and financial statements
• Oversee and manage outsourced bookkeeping and accounting firms, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with internal standards
• Ensure proper accounting for intercompany transactions, cost allocations, and related-party arrangements
• Maintain and enforce internal controls appropriate for an early-stage company
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

• Oversee accounts payable, including vendor payments, expense reimbursements, and payment workflows
• Establish and maintain scalable AP policies, approval processes, and controls
• Oversee accounts receivable, including customer billing, invoicing accuracy, and revenue-related adjustments
• Partner with Sales, Customer Success, and Operations on customer billing processes, contract alignment, and issue resolution
• Manage or oversee collections efforts, including aging reviews and follow-up on past-due invoices
• Monitor cash inflows and outflows related to AP/AR and incorporate insights into cash forecasting

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Maintain and refine financial models, including budgets, forecasts, and scenario planning
• Lead cash flow forecasting and runway analysis; proactively flag risks and opportunities
• Support leadership with ad hoc financial analysis, board reporting, and strategic decision-making

Systems, Data & Reporting

• Act as a financial systems expert, optimizing accounting, billing, and reporting tools
• Work comfortably with large data sets, database-driven reporting, and analytics
• Build scalable reporting dashboards and improve data integrity across systems
• Partner with engineering, operations, and product teams as needed on data flows and integrations

Compliance & Special Accounting

• Support nonprofit-related accounting, reporting, and compliance requirements (i.e. Annual Audit, AB488 Compliance and Reporting, Charity registrations, etc)
• Assist with audit preparation, tax filings, and external advisor coordination, as applicable
• Ensure compliance with relevant state, federal, and regulatory requirements

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Qualifications

Required

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• 8–10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience
• Experience as a Controller or senior accounting leader at early-stage or growth-stage companies
• Strong knowledge of intercompany accounting and complex entity structures
• Proven experience managing outsourced bookkeeping or accounting agencies
• Deep expertise in month-end close, financial statements, and GAAP
• Advanced proficiency with accounting systems, spreadsheets, and financial reporting tools
• Highly comfortable working with large data sets, database reporting, and analytics
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and operate in a lean team environment

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting or working with nonprofit organizations
• SaaS revenue recognition and subscription billing experience
• Prior experience in venture-backed startups
• Exposure to board reporting and investor materials

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What Success Looks Like

• Clean, timely monthly closes with clear, decision-ready financials
• Strong cash visibility and forecasting accuracy
• Well-managed external accounting partners
• Scalable systems and processes that grow with the company
• A trusted financial thought partner to the leadership team

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Why This Role

• High-impact, strategic role without full-time constraints
• Opportunity to shape financial infrastructure at a pivotal growth stage
• Flexible schedule and remote-friendly environment
• Collaborative, fun and mission-driven team

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How to Apply

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