Startup Controller / Client Accounting Lead for Venture-Backed Deeptech & AI Startups

OVERVIEW Alta Advisors is a strategic finance and accounting firm serving venture-backed startups in deeptech, hardtech, and applied AI. We partner with companies building technically complex, world-changing technologies and operate as an embedded external accounting and finance team. We are looking for an experienced Controller / Client Accounting Lead to own accounting delivery for a portfolio of startup clients. This is a senior, client-facing role for someone with startup accounting experience, multi-client services experience, strong systems fluency, and the ability to manage close, reporting, review, and client communication with a high degree of autonomy. This is not a bookkeeping role. We are looking for a controller-level accounting owner who can review work prepared by senior accountants, communicate directly with clients, and help improve delivery through better systems, process discipline, automation, and AI-enabled workflows. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Serve as the primary accounting lead for assigned startup clients. - Own monthly close, financial reporting, reconciliations, workpapers, and client accounting workflows. - Review work prepared by senior accountants and other supporting team members. - Communicate directly with founders, finance leads, operators, auditors, investors, and other stakeholders. - Work across QuickBooks Online and related systems that feed the general ledger, including payroll, AP, spend management, billing, revenue, inventory, project accounting, and reporting tools. - Apply practical accounting judgment across SaaS, hardware, inventory, manufacturing, CapEx, project accounting, government contracts, grants, reimbursable programs, and multi-entity structures. - Help improve internal accounting workflows through templates, documentation, automation, AI tools, and scalable processes. WHO THIS IS IDEAL FOR This role is ideal for someone who has been a controller, senior accounting manager, or outsourced accounting lead for startups and wants meaningful client ownership, technical complexity, and a role in shaping a modern accounting delivery model. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE - 8+ years of progressive accounting experience. - Prior multi-client experience in an accounting firm, outsourced accounting firm, fractional finance firm, or similar client-service environment. - Hands-on accounting experience with venture-backed startups, high-growth companies, or similarly dynamic operating environments. - Experience owning month-end close and financial reporting end-to-end for at least one company or client. - Experience serving as the primary accounting point of contact for clients, founders, executives, or senior stakeholders. - Experience reviewing accounting work prepared by other accountants. - Strong working knowledge of US GAAP and QuickBooks Online. - Strong systems fluency across tools that feed the general ledger. - Must be based in the United States. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE - CPA or public accounting, audit, advisory, or operational accounting background. - Experience with deeptech, hardtech, applied AI, robotics, defense, climate, manufacturing, or R&D-heavy companies. - Experience with SaaS, usage-based revenue, hardware, inventory, manufacturing, CapEx, project accounting, services revenue, government contracts, grants, or reimbursable programs. - Interest in using AI, automation, and workflow tools to improve accounting efficiency, documentation, and client delivery. WORKING RELATIONSHIP There is potential to expand depending on fit, client needs, and availability. The role will work directly with Alta’s Managing Partner and collaborate with senior members of the client accounting team. WHY THIS IS INTERESTING - Work with technically complex startups building world-changing technologies. - Operate as a trusted accounting partner to founders, operators, and finance leaders. - Help build a scalable, technology-enabled accounting delivery model.