Vice President, Controller

Job Title: Vice President, Controller

Location: US based – Global Scope

Company Description:

CYPHER Learning is leading the necessary disruption of learning platforms to unleash human potential with modern learning experiences. We exist to ignite lifelong learning passions through personalized, engaging, and limitless learning experiences for all, giving L&D pros and educators more time to teach and train, building human connection into everything we do, and delivering tailored learning experiences that are meaningful and measurable. We are a fast-growing company with a passion for education and technology.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Vice President, Controller to lead our global accounting function and drive financial operational excellence. This role reports directly to the CFO and plays a pivotal role in overseeing the integrity of financial reporting, managing multi-entity consolidations, implementing best-in-class internal controls, and supporting strategic financial initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring in-depth knowledge of SaaS accounting, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), global financial operations, and compliance, combined with a proactive, hands-on approach to process improvement, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.Bottom of Form

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee and optimize the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting in line with US GAAP, including complex SaaS revenue recognition, multi-element arrangements, and deferrals. Knowledge of IFRS vs GAAP will be required for preparation of certain country statutory reporting.
• Lead global treasury functions, cash flow forecasting, and liquidity management across multiple international entities, ensuring optimal cash management and currency risk mitigation.
• Establish, implement, and enhance internal controls, ensuring SOX compliance and a robust financial framework to support company growth and risk management.
• Direct the preparation and consolidation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, providing executive insights and variance analysis for senior leadership and the board.
• Oversee the reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts and ensure accuracy across intercompany eliminations, foreign exchange adjustments, and other global accounting consolidations.
• Lead continuous improvement of financial reporting systems and automation of processes for scalability, supporting the company’s strategic initiatives and improving data accuracy.
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of internal and external audit engagements, including annual audits, financial compliance audits, and tax compliance across domestic and international jurisdictions.
• Oversee global sales tax and VAT compliance, ensuring accurate calculations, filings, and adherence to local regulations, leveraging Avalara for domestic requirements and working with external consultants for international compliance.
• Partner with legal, finance, and other departments to ensure compliance with corporate governance, tax planning, and regulatory standards across all entities.
• Build and lead a high-performing global accounting team, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
• Collaborate with HR and senior leadership on compensation, benefits, payroll, and global tax issues to ensure efficient and compliant payroll processes for all employees.
• Develop and manage a scalable organizational structure that supports company growth, succession planning, and talent retention.
• Drive ERP (NetSuite) optimization, ensuring that the system effectively supports reporting, compliance, and forecasting requirements.
• Implement and streamline accounting processes, focusing on automation, process efficiency, and accuracy to support the company’s scale and agility.
• Advise on best practices and financial policy enhancements to ensure optimal accounting operations, internal control, and compliance.
• Act as a key partner to the executive team in financial planning and strategy execution, providing financial insights and analysis to support strategic business decisions.
• Lead and participate in special projects, such as due diligence for M&A, financial system implementations, and strategic initiatives aimed at supporting business growth and transformation.
• Collaborate with the FP&A team to drive alignment between accounting and forecasting, ensuring accurate budget versus actual analysis and providing insights into financial trends.

Your Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA certification required.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, with a strong background in global and SaaS environments.
• In-depth expertise in US GAAP, ASC 606 (revenue recognition for SaaS), and PCAOB guidelines.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, particularly NetSuite, and a demonstrated ability to implement process improvements and drive systems optimization.
• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills with a track record of using financial data to drive business decisions.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with experience in building, leading, and mentoring accounting teams.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
• Demonstrated success managing international tax, compliance, and audit processes, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.

                 Our Values:

• Curiosity: Continues learning to stay agile and innovative.
• Connection: Embracing and celebrating our differences.
• Empowerment: Rewarding positive people-centric behaviors and decisions.
• Potential: Challenging status quo and pushing for what’s possible.
• Impact: Making a positive impact for our clients and communities around the world.

         In addition to our core values, CYPHER LEARNING is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is proud to be an affirmative action and equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at CYPHER LEARNING without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran, marital, or citizenship status, or any other status protected by law.