Controller, People Leader

Join the Rapidly Growing Team at Attivo Partners!

Are you dedicated to excellence and eager to advance your career? Passionate about technology and startups? Excited to work with some of the most innovative early-stage companies in the world? If so, Attivo Partners is the place for you!

Why Attivo?

Attivo Partners is a fast-growing full-service finance and accounting consulting firm headquartered in San Francisco, with a presence in major startup hubs across the US. Our remote teams specialize in providing fractional CFO and accounting services to venture-backed emerging growth clients, supporting their journey from inception to over $50M in revenue.

What We Offer:

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a talented team with extensive experience in venture-backed companies. At Attivo, we believe in teamwork and value the unique insights and creativity each member brings.
• Culture of Growth: We thrive on the challenges presented by diverse and exciting clients, offering unparalleled learning and professional development opportunities.
• Mentorship and Training: We are committed to nurturing talent and providing ongoing mentoring and training to help you grow personally and professionally.
• Flexibility: We understand the importance of balance and are dedicated to maintaining a culture that supports your career and personal life.

Our Values:

• Lasting Relationships: We build solid and enduring connections with our clients and team members.
• Data-Driven Insights: We leverage data to drive intelligent decisions and impactful results.
• Growth-Focused Mindset: We embrace opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Collaboration-First: We prioritize teamwork and believe the best solutions come from working together.
• Culture-Conscious: We foster a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

Join us at Attivo Partners and be part of a team that's shaping the future of finance and accounting for startups. Let's grow together!

Role Overview:

The People Leader serves as the primary support and manager for a cohort of Senior Accounting Managers or Assistant Controllers, with a strong focus on coaching, performance management, and career development. This role ensures team members perform at a high level, continue to grow professionally, and are effectively deployed to meet client and business needs.

Responsibilities:

People Leadership & Performance Management

• Serve as the direct manager for a cohort of Senior Accountants or Accounting Managers - max of 8
• Conduct regular 1:1 check-ins to provide coaching, feedback, and ongoing support
• Deliver biannual performance reviews with clear, actionable feedback and development plans
• Monitor individual and team performance, addressing concerns in a timely and constructive manner
• Act as a point of escalation for performance issues, client concerns, and delivery challenges

Utilization & Staffing

• Monitor and manage team utilization
• Oversee staffing for Senior Accountant level and above to ensure proper resource allocation
• Partner with engagement leaders to balance workloads and optimize team productivity

Career Development & Coaching

• Support team members in promotion readiness and long-term career progression
• Define, track, and follow up on individual development goals and action plans
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth

Training & Development

• Identify skill gaps and coordinate technical and professional training opportunities
• Facilitate or support delivery of trainings to ensure team readiness and capability
• Promote knowledge sharing and ongoing development within the team
• Participate in recruiting efforts, including interviewing and candidate evaluation
• Support building and maintaining a strong talent pipeline to meet future staffing needs

Client Services

• Manage all general accounting functions which includes performing month-end close process, eliminations & consolidations, preparing and booking journal entries, account reconciliations and variance analysis
• Prepare monthly consolidated client financials including fluctuation analysis and budget vs actual comparisons
• Set client accounting & tax policies
• Define & implement ASC 606 revenue recognition policies
• Direct activities related to efficient customer cash collection and vendor payments and overall cash management and cash forecasting
• Build financial models to help clients manage cash and make intelligent and proactive operational decisions
• Analyze company operations to identify operational and cost efficiencies and implement solutions
• Create and manage KPI Dashboards
• Manage general HR responsibilities, including payroll, processing employee onboarding & offboarding, and benefits management
• Oversee client tax-related matters to ensure timely compliance
• Lead annual financial audits, as required
• Manage and mentor accounting teams across all clients

Requirements:

• Proven track record of successfully coaching and developing accounting professionals.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to provide empathetic, constructive feedback and foster trust across a team.
• Proven track record of managing complex client engagements and cross-functional teams
• Analytical and detail-oriented with a focus on operational efficiency
• Collaborative and diplomatic, with a problem-solving mindset
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Enthusiastic, personable, positive attitude, and high integrity
• Persistent and self-motivated with the ability to work with limited supervision

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance preferred. CPA preferred
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years at the Assistant Controller level and above
• 3+ years in a people management or team leadership role
• Experience implementing workflow automation or AI-enabled tools preferred. Familiarity with generative AI tools and automation platforms strongly preferred.
• Desire to work side by side with a variety of CFOs and want mentorship
• Advanced+ Excel skills
• Experience with standard software solutions: QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite, Campfire, Brex, Ramp, Rippling, Gusto, Rillet, Carta
• Experience working in a fast-paced technology and/or professional services environment
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to deliver clear, empathetic, and actionable feedback
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and complex team dynamics
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused

Reports To:  People Leader of Assigned Cohort

Location/Travel

• Fully remote role
• Travel to in-person company events approximately 2-3 weeks per year (All-Staff Retreats & Regional Meetups).
• In-person onboarding training within the first 3 months of employment (locations vary).

Salary Range: 10% target bonus

• $185 - 210K

Benefits

Final Notes