Avalara · 1 day ago
Assistant Controller
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
15+ years expAvalara is scaling into a multi-billion-dollar global SaaS company, and the Assistant Controller plays a critical leadership role in building a high-performing, globally consistent, and automation-enabled accounting organization. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence across the global close, consolidations, technical accounting execution, internal controls, and financial systems transformation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)ComplianceFinancial ServicesSoftwareTax Preparation
Responsibilities
Lead Avalara’s global monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance with US GAAP, and operational scalability
Reduce close timelines from a 7-day cycle to public-company benchmarks through automation, improved analytical review, and consistent global workflows
Oversee preparation of GAAP-compliant reporting packages and deliver high-quality, decision-ready financial results
Manage end-to-end accounting operations, including payroll accounting, fixed assets, capitalized software, cloud computing, prepaid and expense accounting, and consolidations
Drive the shift from region-specific processes to a unified, global accounting model with strong documentation and clear ownership
Optimize shared services in India to improve quality, timeliness, efficiency, and scalability
Lead the rollout and adoption of new accounting and AI-enabled tools; assess and support implementation of a future-state GL and related subledgers
Identify and eliminate manual accounting steps by implementing scalable, automated workflows
Partner with IT, Finance Systems, and global teams to enhance ERP functionality, improve data structure, and strengthen system integrity across multiple entities
Serve as a subject-matter expert on US GAAP, including ASC 340-40 (commissions), ASC 842 (leases), capitalized software, cloud computing, stock-based compensation, impairment evaluations, currency matters, and consolidation
Ensure accounting policies are current, practical, and consistently applied worldwide
Support complex accounting assessments related to global expansion, new products, new commission structures, equity and debt instruments, and partner arrangements
Strengthen Avalara’s internal control environment with scalable policies, documentation, and review procedures
Partner with Internal Audit to monitor and enhance SOX compliance, remediate deficiencies, and improve testing and documentation standards
Establish global workflows that ensure audit readiness and consistent compliance across entities
Build and institutionalize robust analytical review procedures, including predictive analytics, across major financial statement areas
Improve variance analysis quality and align financial review processes with business drivers and KPIs
Drive continuous improvement in data quality, insights, and close rigor
Partner with FP&A, Revenue Accounting, Revenue Operations, Billing, Legal, Tax, HR, and Global Operations to ensure alignment on new initiatives and emerging financial implications
Support M&A due diligence, Day-1 readiness, and integration activities
Provide accounting leadership for global expansion, including legal entity setup, statutory alignment, tax considerations, and operational readiness
Lead, mentor, and inspire a global accounting team across onshore and offshore locations
Establish clear ownership, strong documentation standards, and ongoing training to elevate global team performance
Foster a culture rooted in Avalara’s OPAH FOCUS values—Ownership, Passion, Adaptability, Humility, and operational principles including Curiosity, Urgency, Simplicity, Optimism, and Fun
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline required. A Master's in Accounting, Finance, or an MBA is preferred. CPA strongly preferred
15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles in high-growth or large public-company environments
Strong command of US GAAP, including technical areas relevant to global SaaS operations
Demonstrated success scaling accounting operations and improving close timelines through automation and process redesign
Hands-on experience implementing or upgrading ERP/GL systems and leveraging AI-enabled tools in accounting workflows
Experience leading global accounting organizations, including establishing or managing centers of excellence
Proven ability to build analytical review procedures and enhance close rigor
Experience supporting global expansion, multi-entity operations, and multi-currency consolidation
Prior experience in public-company environments and SOX maturity
Preferred
Experience with M&A integration, international statutory compliance, and complex consolidation environments
Background in SaaS or subscription-based technology companies
Big 4 public accounting experience combined with industry operational leadership
Benefits
Paid time off
Paid parental leave
Private medical
Life, and disability insurance
Company
Avalara
Avalara is a cloud-based platform that provides tax compliance software and automated solutions.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Avalara has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (26)
2024 (34)
2023 (36)
2022 (37)
2021 (39)
2020 (26)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$841.01MKey Investors
BlackRockSusquehanna Growth EquityWarburg Pincus
2025-11-11Private Equity· $500M
2023-01-01Private Equity
2022-10-19Post Ipo Debt· $0.04M
Leadership Team
Scott McFarlane
CEO
Megan Higgins Knislis
Senior Vice President, Global Partners
Recent News
2026-01-09
2025-12-09
Company data provided by crunchbase