Controller (Remote)

ControllerLocation: Remote (US)Reports to: Chief Financial OfficerAbout ZestyAIZestyAI is the leading property and climate risk analytics platform for the P&C insurance industry. Our AI-powered models provide property-level insights into the risks that drive the majority of losses, including wildfire, hail, and water damage. Using proprietary data from aerial imagery, property characteristics, permits, and environmental signals, we help insurers price accurately, underwrite smarter, and reduce losses - creating a stronger and more resilient insurance market. As climate events grow more frequent and complex, legacy models can no longer keep pace. ZestyAI replaces outdated assumptions with dynamic, property-specific intelligence. Our next wave of innovation leverages agentic and generative AI to accelerate decision-making across the insurance value chain.The OpportunityWe are hiring a Controller to build and lead a modern, automation-first accounting function at a rapidly growing AI company.This is a rare opportunity to design the financial control environment of an AI-native platform company from the ground up.We are intentionally building a flat, highly capable finance team where senior leaders operate as high-impact individual contributors and leverage automation, outsourced partners, and AI agents to maximize efficiency. You will work directly with the CFO to:Professionalize accounting policies and monthly close processDesign scalable accounting processes and infrastructureImplement scale-appropriate financial controlsDrive automation across close, reporting, and complianceBuild a finance function that scales to $100M+ without unnecessary headcountIf you are a technically strong Controller who is curious, self-directed, and already experimenting with AI in your current finance workflows, this role puts you at the forefront of how AI reshapes accounting. You will not be constrained by legacy systems or bureaucracy. You will be empowered to build.What You'll DoOwn the Accounting FunctionLead the monthly, quarterly, and annual multi-entity close process; produce accurate consolidated GAAP financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)Managing outsourced bookkeepingDevelop accounting policies, SOPs, and internal controlsManage/oversee AP, AR, payroll accounting, reconciliationsMaintain reconciliations, schedules, and documentation at audit-ready standardsRevenue & Contract AccountingOwn revenue recognition policy and execution (including complex data licensing and multi-element contracts)Partner with Go-To-Market and Legal to ensure contract structures align with accounting treatmentMaintain deferred revenue schedules and ensure billing, collections, and reporting are clean and reconciledControls, Risk & AuditDesign and implement scalable internal controlsPrepare the company for financial audits and future diligencePartner cross-functionally to ensure control maturity aligns with growthBuild documentation and workflows that support compliance and enterprise customer requirementsAutomation & AI-Driven FinanceLead the accounting systems roadmap (ERP, close tools, bill pay, spend management)Leverage automation to reduce manual journal entries and reconciliation workIdentify and implement AI agents or workflows to assist with:ReconciliationsContract reviewClose checklistsPolicy draftingVariance analysisEstablish an "automation-first" mindset across the finance functionYou will have wide latitude to test, implement, and scale AI tooling inside finance.Vendor & Outsourced Partner OversightManage outsourced bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and other accounting supportEstablish clear service standards and quality expectationsEnsure outsourced workflows integrate seamlessly with internal systemsCash & Financial DisciplineOversee AP/AR workflows and improve billing and collections rigorStrengthen working capital managementSupport cash forecasting accuracy through clean accounting dataWhat We're Looking For7+ years of progressive accounting experienceStrong US GAAP foundation including CPA and audit experience (either auditor-side or company-side)Experience in high growth recurring revenue software startupExperience managing revenue with enterprise contractsFamiliarity with enterprise sales commission plansProven experience operating in a lean or growth-stage environmentExperience managing audits and building documentation disciplineDemonstrated ability to improve processes and implement systemsBonus Points ForExperience in Insurtech, fintech, data platforms, or AI-driven companiesERP implementation experienceHands-on experimentation with AI tools in accounting workflowsClear examples of automation initiatives you have personally drivenWho You AreCurious and self-directedComfortable building in ambiguityEnergized by improving systems rather than maintaining legacy processesHighly accountable and detail-orientedExcited by AI's role in reshaping finance operationsMotivated by impact and ownership, not title hierarchyYou've likely already found ways to use AI in reconciliations, policy writing, close management, or analysis - and you're eager to go further.Why Join ZestyAIJoin a recognized AI and Insurtech leader reshaping risk analyticsWork directly with executive leadership in a high-impact roleBuild a modern accounting function designed for scaleOperate in a flat team with significant ownershipBe at the forefront of AI adoption in finance operationsThis is a career-defining opportunity for a Controller who wants to build - not just maintain.

Created: 2026-04-02