Role Overview
Vast.ai seeks a full-time Controller to manage accounting and finance operations on-site in Los Angeles, California. This hands-on leadership position suits an experienced finance professional ready to build scalable, automation-first financial infrastructure for a high-volume AI compute marketplace.
Key Responsibilities
Spearhead GAAP conversion, establish compliant financial statements, and prepare the company for its first external audit.
Manage monthly close procedures, accounts receivable, accounts payable, vendor management, payroll, and reconciliations.
Direct marketplace revenue accounting, handling ASC 606 analysis, gross-versus-net evaluations, multi-party payouts, refunds, and unit-economics reporting.
Establish rigorous cash and payout controls to monitor customer funds, provider payouts, disputes, fraud adjustments, and data reconciliations.
Oversee external tax specialists to maintain comprehensive compliance across relevant jurisdictions.
Select, implement, and optimize finance systems across ERP, billing, AP automation, tax engines, and reporting stacks.
Deliver monthly financial reports, cash visibility insights, and operating metrics while partnering on budgets and forecasts.
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, data, and legal teams to translate transaction logic into accounting policies.
Formulate a roadmap for future team expansion, balancing strategic automation with necessary headcount growth.
Requirements
Hold an active CPA license in good standing with strong technical accounting knowledge.
Bring 8 or more years of overall accounting and finance experience, featuring at least 2 years in a senior leadership role like Controller or Assistant Controller.
Demonstrate hands-on background managing monthly closes, financial statement preparation, and account reconciliations in a private company.
Possess direct exposure to marketplace, platform, SaaS, usage-based, or multi-party transactional business models.
Show working knowledge of ASC 606, deferred revenue, customer credits, and gross-versus-net principal-agent analysis.
Exhibit practical experience handling US indirect-tax compliance and managing outside advisors.
Demonstrate comfort operating and implementing core ERP, billing, payment, and reporting systems while reconciling operational data.
Maintain an automation-first mindset focused on reducing manual effort through tools and controls without sacrificing accuracy.
Nice to Have
Public accounting background at a Big 4, national, or top regional firm paired with in-house operating experience.
Total experience spanning 10 to 12 years, including service as the primary in-house accounting leader at a high-growth business.
Direct involvement leading cash-to-accrual conversions and audit-readiness preparations.
Familiarity with international VAT and GST, host withholding, and 1099 or 1042-S information reporting.
Experience integrating software tools such as Stripe, Adyen, Avalara, Vertex, Bill.com, Ramp, Brex, Rippling, or Carta.
Practical use of AI and automation tools for AP workflows, close management, and exception reviews.
Background managing equity and stock-based compensation accounting, including ASC 718 and 409A coordination.
Ability to work directly with SQL, data warehouses, or BI analytics teams to reconcile operational activities.
Skills and Tools
Active CPA
Financial reporting and GAAP compliance
ASC 606 and revenue recognition
Marketplace and usage-based accounting
Tax compliance and audit readiness
ERP and financial systems implementation
Automation and SQL data workflows
Salary and Benefits
Annual salary range of $200,000 to $275,000 USD
Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance packages
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Meaningful early-stage equity participation
On-site meals, snacks, and daily collaboration with founders and technical leaders
About the Company
Vast.ai operates a global cloud platform that powers artificial intelligence projects and businesses by decentralizing AI computing. The organization features a flat structure, ambitious technical goals, and an environment where leadership is earned through shipping excellence.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application directly on the official Vast.ai careers page.
