Birgit Haag

Birgit Haag is the current Controller at SaaStr. Birgit has also held the position of Controller at Ascendify from January 2017 to March 2018. Birgit has played an integral role in streamlining the financial operations of both companies.

Upon their arrival at Ascendify, Birgit collaborated with an outside CPA firm to bring the financials in-house. Birgit successfully managed the month-end close process, which included bank reconciliations, revenue recognition, accruals, and fixed assets. Birgit also prepared financial statements and executed day-to-day financial operations, such as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, collections, payroll, commissions, expense reimbursements, and other related tasks.

Birgit updated the financial model to help the executive team plan, execute, and measure performance against strategic, financial, and operational goals. Birgit also established and maintained accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP, keeping them up to date as regulations and business evolved. In addition, Birgit assisted with the SaaSOptics implementation and integration with Salesforce and QuickBooks for better revenue recognition and ASC 606 compliance. As system administrator and manager of the SaaS subscription life cycle, they were also responsible for non-recurring revenues.

Birgit administered company insurance policies, renewals, and change requests according to business needs. Birgit also handled 1099s, Form 3921s, and other tax filings while complying with necessary federal, state, and local government reporting requirements. In addition to their financial responsibilities, Birgit conducted interviews and managed new hire onboarding as well as exits. Birgit also directed existing benefits plans, oversaw open enrollments, and rolled out new benefits in line with company goals—introducing the first 401k plan single-handedly.

Birgit strengthened team communication by over 50% and increased process workflows by 20% through the elimination of superfluous procedures and processes. Birgit also lead the company’s successful office relocation. Birgit partnered with real estate agents, coordinated build-outs, move in/out schedules with the new landlord, provided insurance documents and necessary paperwork, and oversaw a 5-person moving team.

Birgit has a proven track record of success—exceeding company expectations by continuously achieving 100% of weekly goals. Her experience in both finance and administration make their a valuable asset to any organization.

Birgit Haag has a Ph.D. in Business Administration and Management from WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business), and has done Ph.D. dissertation work at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business. Birgit also holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration and Management from WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business). Birgit Haag is certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation as a Harley Davidson Riders Edge - Basic Rider Course instructor, and by the Austrian Tennis Association as a state-certified Tennis Trainer (ITF-approved) - Level 1 (Instructor) and Level 2 (Trainer).

Their manager is Jason M. Lemkin, Founder & CEO. Some of their coworkers include Deborah Findling - Head of Content, Taylor Tomlin - Creative Director, and Amelia Ibarra - VP Marketing.