Assistant Controller
BlackLine • Los Angeles, California • Full Time
Posted on Wed, Jul 22, 2026
Overview
BlackLine is seeking a transformative and strategic leader to join our finance organization as the Assistant Controller. This is a critical leadership role designed with a clear, 18-month succession path to the Vice President, Corporate Controller position. The successful candidate will initially take direct ownership of core accounting operations, drive the global financial close, and prepare to absorb broader corporate reporting functions. This leader will mentor the existing accounting team, champion the adoption of automation and AI technologies, and ensure the scalability of BlackLine's global accounting function.
Responsibilities
Phased Operational Oversight & Close Management:
- Transition Period: Directly manage and optimize the General Ledger and Accounts Payable teams. Direct the global month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes, ensuring absolute integrity, accuracy, and adherence to strict timelines.
- Future Scope: Progressively assume control of the Financial Reporting and Payroll teams over the 18-month succession timeline. (Note: Revenue, billing, commissions, and accounts receivable operate under a separate reporting structure).
- Strategic Leadership & Succession: Partner intimately with the current VP, Corporate Controller to ensure a seamless transfer of duties and institutional knowledge. Actively take on primary ownership of designated global accounting functions to ensure full readiness to step into the VP, Corporate Controller role within 18 months.
- Automation, AI, and Process Optimization: Champion a culture of continuous improvement. Lead initiatives to leverage automation, machine learning, and AI-driven solutions to enhance accuracy, reduce manual effort, and accelerate the close process. Develop and execute a concrete strategy to increase AI fluency and technical capabilities across the accounting organization.
- Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls: Maintain and strengthen the internal control environment for all managed functions to safeguard company assets. Guarantee continuous compliance with US GAAP, SEC regulations, SOX 404 requirements, and all internal BlackLine corporate policies. Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits.
- Team Development & Management: Direct, mentor, and elevate the performance of the accounting operations team. Actively assess team capabilities, address skill gaps, and implement targeted development plans to build a highly skilled, AI-fluent team ready for scale.
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate effectively with FP&A, Tax, Legal, and the broader revenue organization to support strategic company initiatives, M&A integrations, and new system implementations
Qualifications
- Education & Certification: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required. An active CPA license is mandatory.
- Experience: 10–15 years of progressive accounting experience in a global environment, with at least 4+ years in a senior leadership capacity (Director or Senior Director level). Prior experience as an Assistant Controller or highly experienced Director of Accounting in a publicly traded SaaS or technology company is strongly preferred. Experience with a "Big 4" public accounting firm is highly desirable.
- Leadership Track Record: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams. Proven experience in assessing talent and managing team members to improve performance and operational readiness.
- Technical Expertise: Deep, expert-level knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and SOX 404 compliance. Hands-on experience managing complex consolidations and multi-currency environments.
- Operational & Technological Excellence: A proven track record of identifying inefficiencies and implementing technology, automation, or AI-driven solutions to achieve scale. Experience with modern financial systems (e.g., NetSuite, BlackLine) is expected.
- Communication Skills: Executive-level written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to distill complex financial and technical concepts for executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and cross-functional stakeholders.