Controller

Company Overview:

We are building Protege to solve the biggest unmet need in AI — getting access to the right training data. The process today is time intensive, incredibly expensive, and often ends in failure. The Protege platform facilitates the secure, efficient, and privacy-centric exchange of AI training data.

Solving AI’s data problem is a generational opportunity. We’re backed by world-class investors and already powering partnerships with some of the most ambitious teams in AI. The company that succeeds will be one of the largest in AI — and in tech.

We’re a lean, fast-moving, high-trust team of builders who are obsessed with velocity and impact. Our culture is built for people who thrive on ambiguity, own outcomes, and want to shape the future of data and AI.

As Controller at Protege, you will own the company’s day-to-day financial operations and serve as a key partner to our Head of People & Operations and Finance Leadership and leadership team. You’ll ensure that our financial systems, reporting, and controls scale in step with our rapid growth.

This is a role for someone who is hands-on, detail-oriented, and excited to build foundational financial infrastructure in a fast-moving, mission-driven company. You’ll manage accounting processes, implement scalable systems, and deliver the insights that help drive strategic decisions.

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, expense management, and reconciliations
  

• Lead the monthly and quarterly close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial statements
  

• Own financial systems and controls — continuously improving processes, automation, and documentation
  

• Manage compliance, audits, and tax filings in coordination with external partners
  

• Partner with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, month-end closes, cash flow management, and financial analysis
  

• Collaborate with business leaders across departments to align financial reporting with operational metrics
  

• Prepare and maintain internal management reports and board materials
  

• Support vendor management, procurement, and contract reviews from a financial perspective
  

• 5–8 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, ideally with startup or high-growth tech exposure
  

• Strong understanding of GAAP accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls; particular command of ASC 606 Revenue Recognition procedures
  

• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online (or equivalent) and experience integrating financial tools (Ramp, Rippling, Bill.com, etc.)
  

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of owning complex processes end-to-end
  

• Excellent communicator with the ability to distill financial information for non-finance stakeholders
  

• You are proactive, resourceful, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-moving environment
  

• You treat those around you with kindness and integrity

• CPA or equivalent certification
  

• Experience in SaaS or B2B marketplace business models
  

• Exposure to multi-entity or international accounting (IFRS)
  

• Background in implementing new finance systems or ERP migrations
  

• Prior experience as an external auditor or managing external audit processes in-house