SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 165,000 - 175,000 / annual
Ascend Analytics is a high-growth, private equity-backed company transforming the power industry through advanced analytics, cloud-based technology, and deep market expertise. The Director of Accounting will own the day-to-day operations of the corporate accounting function, driving a timely and accurate monthly close within 5 business days, managing the annual audit with third-party partners, and maintaining accounting policies and internal controls that support rapid growth.
You will serve as the technical accounting and controls expert, directly managing the Senior Accountant while staying hands-on with critical technical work. Key responsibilities include:
• Own revenue recognition under ASC 606 across the contract base, including review of non-standard or custom terms; maintain fluency in SaaS metrics (ARR, CARR, churn) and both time & materials and fixed-milestone professional services delivery models.
• Drive cash flow management end-to-end: monitor daily cash position, drive A/R collections to hit targets, maintain a rolling 13-week forecast, approve weekly disbursements, and ensure accurate reporting to leadership.
• Directly manage and develop the Senior Accountant, including coaching, performance management, workload prioritization, and building technical accounting capability.
• Direct the monthly close within 5 business days and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual GAAP financial statements—from preparer to reviewer—ensuring reconciliations are accurate, complete, and on deadline.
• Own the annual financial statement audit end-to-end: align with audit partners on planning and scope, manage fieldwork and PBC items, drive resolution of open issues, review financial statements and footnotes, and keep the audit on schedule and within budget.
• Manage tax compliance and third-party relationships across income tax and sales tax, including managing outside preparers, troubleshooting Avalara calculations and filings, and providing supporting documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the company's banking relationship(s), handling account administration and quarterly compliance reporting.
• Deliver clear, insightful flux and variance commentary that gives leadership real visibility into what's driving the numbers.
• Review and audit bi-weekly payroll for accuracy and completeness, partnering with HR/Payroll on discrepancies. Own the quarterly commission process—calculate, audit, and distribute payouts.
• Support the annual budgeting process and evaluation of performance against budget.
• Maintain and optimize the finance systems stack (Maxio, QuickBooks Online, Ramp, Avalara, Numeric).
• Take on ad hoc analysis, projects, and requests as they arise—one-off financial deep dives to support cross-functional and strategic initiatives.
The role requires an entrepreneurial attitude that blends 'can-do' creativity with 'roll up your sleeves,' coupled with great communication skills and a strong sense of ethics. The hybrid schedule is 3 days in-office, 2 days remote.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, with 8+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Deep knowledge of ASC 606 revenue recognition, including experience reviewing non-standard or custom contract terms; fluency in SaaS metrics (ARR, NRR, etc.) and both time & materials and fixed-milestone services delivery models.
• Prior experience owning an external financial statement audit end-to-end, including planning, fieldwork management, and financial statement/footnote review.
• Experience managing multi-jurisdiction tax compliance and related third-party relationships, spanning both income tax and sales tax.
• Experience managing cash flow and driving A/R collections results.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with QuickBooks, Maxio, or a similar ERP/billing system.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines independently and escalate issues early.
• Prior experience at a SaaS or technology company required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• CPA; public accounting experience, particularly with a Big 4 or national firm.
• Prior experience directly managing or mentoring accounting staff.
• Experience with Avalara or a similar sales tax automation tool.
• Experience building and optimizing workflows with AI.
