Controller

About us

At Pareto.AI, we’re on a mission to enable top talent around the world to participate in the development of cutting-edge AI models.

In coming years, AI models will transform how we work and create thousands of new AI training jobs for skilled talent around the world. We’ve joined forces with top AI and crowd researchers at Anthropic, Character.AI, Imbue, Stanford, and University of Pennsylvania to build a fair and ethical platform for AI developers to collaborate with domain experts to train bespoke AI models.

About the Role

Pareto is seeking a Controller to own the company’s financial infrastructure as we scale from a profitable Series A. This role oversees accounting operations, reporting, internal controls, and compliance. The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader who builds processes from scratch and delivers accurate, timely financials in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Close

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close; maintain a reliable 5-day close.
• Maintain accounting policies, documentation, and internal controls.
• Manage AP/AR, payroll accounting, revenue recognition, accruals, and reconciliations.
• Deliver accurate, audit-ready financial statements.

Reporting & Analysis

• Build financial reporting for leadership and investors.
• Partner with COO/CEO on budgets, forecasts, and cash-flow modeling.
• Analyze unit economics, margins, and operational performance.

Systems & Process Design

• Implement and optimize accounting systems (QBO; evaluate NetSuite).
• Automate workflows across payables, receivables, expenses, and revenue operations.
• Build scalable processes that support operational and data-delivery growth.

Compliance & Coordination

• Ensure GAAP compliance and internal controls.
• Manage tax filings and audit support with external CPA firms.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and support financial diligence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with People Ops, Legal, Delivery, and GTM on finance-adjacent workflows.
• Support pricing, billing, procurement, and vendor evaluations.
• Provide financial clarity across the organization as Pareto scales.

Outcomes

• Accurate, timely, audit-ready financials and reporting.
• Clear visibility into cash flow, margins, and performance.
• Scalable systems that reduce manual work and support growth.
• Strong financial discipline embedded across teams.

Competencies (Qualifications)

• 6–10+ years of accounting or finance experience with full-cycle close ownership.
• Strong GAAP expertise and experience producing audit-ready financials.
• Background in fast-paced, high-growth startups (Series A–C preferred).
• Ability to build and improve accounting systems and internal controls.
• Hands-on operator comfortable owning accounting end-to-end.
• Proficiency with QBO; NetSuite or similar systems preferred.
• Ability to build accurate budgets, forecasts, and cash-flow models.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of financial drivers.
• High attention to detail, documentation, and process rigor.
• Clear communication with executives, auditors, and cross-functional partners.
• Strong judgment and comfort operating in ambiguity.

Preferred

• CPA or equivalent technical background.
• Experience with SaaS, data, or AI-driven businesses.
• Audit preparation experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Compensation
Base salary range: $170,000–$230,000 per year, plus equity. Final compensation depends on experience, seniority, and location.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and meaningful equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible PTO
• High-ownership environment with rapid growth opportunities
• Mission-driven team working on impactful AI problems
• Collaborative, low-ego culture focused on clarity, speed, and craftsmanship

Pareto is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse team.