Who We Are

Lightning AI is the company behind PyTorch Lightning. Founded in 2019, we build an end-to-end platform for developing, training, and deploying AI systems—designed to take ideas from research to production with less friction.

Through our merger with Voltage Park, a neocloud and AI Factory, Lightning AI combines developer-first software with cost-efficient, large-scale compute. Teams get the tools they need for experimentation, training, and production inference, with security, observability, and control built in.

We serve solo researchers, startups, and large enterprises. Lightning AI operates globally with offices in New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and London, and is backed by Coatue, Index Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and Firstminute.

Our Values

Move Fast: We act with speed and precision, breaking down big challenges into achievable steps.
Focus: We complete one goal at a time with care, collaborating as a team to deliver features with precision.
Balance: Sustained performance comes from rest and recovery. We ensure a healthy work-life balance to keep you at your best.
Craftsmanship: Innovation through excellence. Every detail matters, and we take pride in mastering our craft.
Minimal: Simplicity drives our innovation. We eliminate complexity through discipline and focus on what truly matters.

What we're looking for

We are looking for a controller to manage our accounting processes. This candidate will have vast knowledge and experience in SaaS and GAAP accounting practices. The Financial Controller will play a key role in providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making and driving the company's financial growth. This is an exciting opportunity to get in early at a Series B company and influence the future of the finance team at Lightning AI.

You will be joining the Finance Team and report to our VP of Finance. This is a hybrid role based in either our Seattle or San Francisco office with in-office requirements of 2 days per week. The salary range for this role is $190,000-$225,000.

What you’ll do

Oversee all financial operations including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for Lightning AI
Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances
Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements including balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements
Conduct financial analysis to pinpoint trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement and cost cutting, pertaining to cloud costs specifically
Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and financial performance to support effective cash management and decision-making in respects to company runway
Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings; ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards
Support the executive team with key financial information and operational analytics, and drive a culture of accountability in managing the business
Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
Leverage previous experience at a professional accounting firm and as a controller at a venture backed SaaS company
Lead the company through audit readiness, ensuring successful completion of all future audits

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or equivalent certification preferred.
Extensive experience in finance and accounting within a SaaS or technology company, with a solid understanding of GAAP accounting
Strong analytical skills, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. Ability to conduct in-depth financial analyses, particularly around cloud and operational costs.
Proficiency with ERP and financial systems (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills. Familiarity with cloud cost management is a plus.
In-depth understanding of local, state, and federal reporting requirements and compliance standards. Preferred understanding of UK regulations as well as US regulations.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for presenting financial insights to senior leadership and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with the confidence to shape and lead financial operations in a growing startup.
Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions, prioritize tasks effectively, and contribute to high-impact strategic initiatives.
Familiarity with these accounting standards: ASC 606 - revenue from contracts with customers; ASC 360 - Property, plant and equipment; ASC 350 / ASC 360 - Impairment; ASC 842 - Leases; ASC 330 - Inventory; ASC 705 / ASC 340-40 - Cost of Revenue

Benefits and Perks

We offer competitive base salaries and equity with a 25% one year cliff and monthly vesting thereafter. For our international employees, we work with our EOR to pay you in your local currency and provide equitable benefits across the globe.

In the US, we offer:

Medical, dental and vision
Life and AD&D insurance
Flexible paid time off including winter closure
Paid family leave benefits
$500 monthly meal reimbursement, including groceries & food delivery services
$500 one time home office stipend
$1,000 annual learning & development stipend
100% Citibike membership (NYC only)
$45/month gym membership
Additional various medical and mental health services

At Lightning AI, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and create better products. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are dedicated to building a culture where everyone can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.

Controller

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