Head of Platform Controls

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 400,000 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 Platform Controls to join the Finance, BizOps & Strategy (FBOS) team at Gusto. This role will partner with Head of Platform Operations and Accounting to build a scalable, forward thinking, public company-level controls environment from the ground up.

As the Head of Platform Controls at Gusto, you will be instrumental in establishing and leading our internal controls program, initially focusing on our core revenue and payment systems and processes. This is a unique opportunity to build a critical function within a rapidly growing, innovative company that manages substantial volumes of sensitive data and customer payments. You will collaborate across teams and interact with leaders at different levels to design, implement, and maintain a robust control environment, ensuring operational excellence and setting the foundation for future. Your expertise will be vital in safeguarding Gusto's financial integrity and supporting our mission to empower a better life for small businesses and their teams. The ideal candidate is an experienced professional with hands-on and proven experience in either SOX compliance or internal audit roles, with a strong understanding of internal controls and risk management.

Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Company's internal controls program with an initial focus on revenue and payment processes over proprietary systems.
• Establishing a robust control environment that enhances operational maturity, optimizes processes.considering the complexities of managing large volumes of data and customer cash inherent in a payroll processing environment.
• Collaborate with consultants and cross-functional teams to define the program's scope, execute risk assessments, and design effective internal controls (manual and system) aligned with US GAAP, COSO framework.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of comprehensive controls documentation, including process narratives, flowcharts, risk and control matrices.
• Develop and execute a long-term strategy for the program, focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and operational effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, facilitating audits and ensuring alignment on program objectives.
• Partner with business teams to stay informed about new product pipelines and initiatives, offering guidance on associated risks and control.
• Develop and deliver training programs that educate the company on internal controls, operational maturity, fostering a culture of accountability.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports on the program's status, health, and effectiveness to executive management and the Audit Committee.

Here’s what we're looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; 
• 10+ years of progressive experience in a Big 4 accounting firm, internal audit, or SOX compliance role with professional certifications like CIA or CISA.
• Background leading SOX compliance or internal audit teams in a public or global organization.
• Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and overseeing complex risk governance programs for proprietary in-house systems and IT general controls.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP, the COSO framework, PCAOB Auditing Standards, and best practices for internal controls and risk management.
• Proven track record managing audits of proprietary in-house systems, ideally within the payments or payroll processing industry.
• Excellent project management and analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels, including executive management
• Experience building and managing internal controls over revenue and payment systems that handle large volumes of data and payments.
• Experience in a fintech or high-growth environment, auditing advanced data pipelines or complex platforms.
• Is able to go into the San Francisco office two days per week.
• Special projects and assign