Controller

As a Controller at Descript, you will oversee all financial reporting aspects, manage the NetSuite ERP system, lead payroll compliance, and collaborate cross-functionally to support strategic planning. Your role involves streamlining accounting functions and driving improvements in internal controls and financial processes.

The ideal Controller candidate at Descript will have 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, especially within high-growth SaaS environments. Familiarity with US GAAP, ASC 606 Revenue Recognition, and strong proficiency in ERP systems like NetSuite are essential to succeed in this role.

The Controller at Descript plays a vital role in supporting company growth by managing financial data accuracy, budget forecasting, and strategic compliance efforts. This position is integral in optimizing operational processes and providing financial insights to enhance decision-making.

Descript fosters a flexible and collaborative work environment in San Francisco, CA. You will work alongside passionate colleagues and have the opportunity to engage in meaningful in-person interactions that enhance creativity and teamwork, while also enjoying a degree of remote flexibility.

Descript offers a generous healthcare package, catered lunches, flexible vacation time, and a vibrant workplace culture. As a Controller, you will enjoy professional development opportunities while working in a company that values diversity and collaboration.

In answering this, emphasize your previous roles where you oversaw financial reporting processes, mentioning specific experiences with month-end closes, and consolidated financial statements. Share any software or systems you used, such as NetSuite, and how you ensured data accuracy and compliance.

Discuss any experiences managing federal, state, and local tax filings. Include your familiarity with tax regulations and how you’ve ensured timely and accurate compliance in past roles, highlighting any systems or processes that supported your work.

Highlight your experience in overseeing payroll processes and maintaining compliance with labor laws. Discuss collaboration with HR or People Ops, focusing on how you ensured operational efficiency while maintaining employee satisfaction.

Talk about how you effectively communicated with teams across departments. Provide examples of projects where your collaboration led to successful outcomes, focusing on your role in providing financial insights and supporting decision-making.

Share a specific project where you identified inefficiencies and implemented improvements, detailing the processes you optimized and the outcomes achieved. Include metrics if possible to demonstrate how your changes positively affected the organization.

Describe your method for prioritizing urgent tasks, perhaps using examples from past experiences where you successfully managed multiple deadlines. Highlight tools or strategies that helped you stay organized and efficient.

Discuss how technology enhances accuracy, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. Reference your experience with ERP systems, like NetSuite, to illustrate how they enabled better financial management and reporting.

Discuss your familiarity with managing equity processes and the associated compliance requirements. Mention your experience in accurately reporting, budgeting, and approving equity grants, emphasizing how these processes support company growth.

Share your approach to fostering cooperation and transparency with auditors. Talk about how you prepare documentation, communicate expectations, and work collaboratively to ensure a smooth auditing process.

Express your enthusiasm for Descript's growth potential in the AI space and how your skills align with the organization's mission. Show your eagerness to contribute to a culture of collaboration and innovation, tailored around a fun and dynamic work environment.