Head of Accounting Operations

About Gusto

Gusto is a modern, online people platform that helps small businesses take care of their teams. On top of full-service payroll, Gusto offers health insurance, 401(k)s, expert HR, and team management tools. Today, Gusto offices in Denver, San Francisco, and New York serve more than 300,000 businesses nationwide.

Our mission is to create a world where work empowers a better life, and it starts right here at Gusto. That’s why we’re committed to building a collaborative and inclusive workplace, both physically and virtually. Learn more about our Total Rewards philosophy. 

About the Role:

We're looking for a Head of Accounting Operations to join the Finance, BizOps & Strategy (FBOS) team at Gusto.This role will partner with the Corporate Controller to build a successful, forward-thinking, public company-level accounting function.

An ideal candidate is hands-on, dynamic, and automation-driven. You will assist in the oversight of accounting operations, GAAP compliance, management of key controllership initiatives, reporting and more. This role requires critical thinking, effective organizational and execution, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a strong ability to build effective relationships across the company. This role interacts with all levels of management and third parties across financial and operational projects and initiatives. The ideal candidate is a licensed CPA with a mix of Big4 and industry experience and a focus on operations. The role will be key in moving processes from current state to best-in-class, as seen in more mature companies.

Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:

• Assist in oversight of monthly, quarterly, and year-end close operations
• Ensure timely and accurate financial statements reporting
• Advise and help implement key initiatives for continuous automation improvements in the accounting ecosystem
• Create the roadmap for public readiness and be the go-to resource for internal and external stakeholders for educational and project management needs
• Assist in implementing SOX controls and procedures, gearing towards being public company ready
• Develop accounting operations' mid- and long-term strategy plans
• Partner closely with the Finance senior leadership team, including Legal, FP&A, Procurement, People Team, Tax, and Treasury to ensure accounting aligns with finance and business objectives
• Serve as the trusted advisor to senior management maintaining current knowledge of GAAP, relevant regulations and industry trends providing guidance, planning and direction related to all accounting matters
• Own the accounting functional budget, ensuring proper investments generate the highest returns in efficiency and quality of operations

Here’s what we're looking for:

• Has 12+ years of professional experience with a mix of public accounting and industry, CPA preferred
• Extensive experience in the general ledger, monthly close process and financial reporting, procurement and payroll systems, and in-depth knowledge of US GAAP and SOX compliance
• Has recent experience in a public company or leading an IPO or direct listing process
• Has a strong knowledge of NetSuite and experience working with other systems, such as Workday, Coupa and Workiva
• Technically savvy with systems and ability to improve processes and utilize technology to enhance productivity, reduce errors, and mitigate risks
• Has a positive attitude and willingness to take on challenges in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates having an automation-first mindset of scoping, recommending, and implementing new systems to enhance controls and improve processes
• Has experience working directly with external auditors and building an efficient internal control environment
• Develop excellent cross functional relationships to support effective operational efficiencies
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across a diverse range of departments and levels, including executive management
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, proactively manage tasks and workloads while being flexible, able to adapt with short notice
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and development to create high-performing teams
• Is able to go into the New York City/San Francisco office two days per week
• Is able to meet in person for their team's scheduled collaboration weeks, traveling if necessary to the hub where their team is based
• Special projects and assignments as needed

Our cash compensation amount for this role is between $181,000