About Primer

Primer is a growing network of K–8 schools restoring the timeless foundations of American education. Inspired by the original teaching primers that shaped a nation of readers, thinkers, and builders, our schools begin with what has always worked, and build for what lies ahead. Close-knit learning environments. Skilled educators. A culture that takes kids seriously as learners and leaders.

Primers shaped the first 200 years of American children. Primer will ready them for the next.

About the role

Primer is building a new kind of school system—one that blends great educators with great software—and we're looking for a Controller who can help build the financial foundation to support that scale. This role is for a hands-on, full-stack accounting leader with deep GAAP expertise, mastery of NetSuite, and experience in complex, multi-entity or capital-intensive environments. You’ll own our accounting function end-to-end while partnering closely with finance and operations to ensure our model scales responsibly across campuses. If you want breadth, complexity, and real ownership inside a mission-driven, VC-backed startup that’s still in builder mode, this is the right seat.

Responsibilities

• The Controller will support our Head of Finance and lead the Company’s Accounting team

• Drive period-end financial closes in an accurate, timely manner as well as support the Company’s actuals reporting

• Responsible for improving and enforcing the accounting function’s Standard Operating Procedures (AR, AP, GL, Capex, Equity, etc.)

• Lead audits and reviews conducted by our public sector revenue partners; lead assurance workstreams and projects

• Provide direction and mentorship to our General Ledger accountant, Accounts Payable Specialist, and any future accounting team members

• Partner with our Bursar (AR leader) to maintain receivables reconciliation, revenue recognition, and collections processes

• Administer the company’s treasury activities and intercompany funding

• Collaborate with the Head of Finance to develop and enforce internal financial controls

What we're looking for

• Active CPA license and least 6 years of experience in financial accounting within roles of increasing responsibility; previous experience experience at a public accounting firm preferred

• Deep experience with NetSuite required; Stripe, and Ramp strongly preferred

• Prior experience as a Controller or as the direct report of a Controller required

• Comprehensive, technical knowledge of GAAP accounting; familiarity with capital intensive and/or real estate businesses and associated accounting procedures (i.e., ASC 842)

• Experience with intercompany accounting and consolidations required; familiarity with multi-location operations and reporting preferred

• Experience supporting Venture Capital backed businesses preferred

• Willingness to roll up your sleeves and build! Everyone on our team spends a significant amount of their time with their hands on the tools.

Why this role may not be a fit

• You are hoping to never post / approve a journal entry again

• Your accounting experience is deep but not broad (i.e., you’ve only held revenue accounting roles, you’ve only worked in audit)

• You are looking for true FP&A experience / training

• You’re uncomfortable with startup volatility and risk

Primer is a mission-first company. We believe our mission is the highest-leverage way we can create positive change. In service of that, we keep work centered on mission execution and avoid social or political activism at work that’s unrelated to the mission. If that energizes you, we’d love to see you apply.