This description is a summary of our understanding of the job description. Click on 'Apply' button to find out more. Role Description This role offers a hands-on leadership opportunity in finance and accounting, overseeing the full spectrum of accounting operations for a mid-sized organization. The Controller will ensure accurate financial reporting, maintain strong internal controls, and ensure compliance with government contracting regulations including FAR and DCAA. Partnering closely with executive leadership, this role manages a small accounting team while contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling initiatives. You will oversee day-to-day accounting processes, including the general ledger, reconciliations, payroll, and accounts receivable/payable. The role requires deep expertise in government contract accounting and the ability to translate financial insights into strategic recommendations. Ideal candidates bring a balance of technical accounting skill, leadership experience, and a proactive approach to process improvement in a high-growth, mission-driven environment. - Manage daily accounting operations, including the general ledger, month-end close, reconciliations, and accruals. - Oversee a Financial Analyst, reviewing work for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with internal controls. - Ensure compliance with FAR Part 31, DCAA requirements, and other government contract accounting standards. - Lead billing, revenue recognition, and cash flow management for cost-plus, T&M, and fixed-price contracts. - Serve as primary owner of accounting and billing systems, ensuring proper configuration and reporting accuracy. - Prepare and present financial statements, reports, and analyses to executive leadership. - Coordinate audits, maintain external relationships with auditors, banks, and advisors, and drive improvements in accounting processes. Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field. - 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience. - Minimum 5 years in a government services or government contracting environment. - Strong knowledge of GAAP, FAR Part 31, and DCAA compliance. - Prior management or senior accountant experience, including team leadership. - Hands-on experience with accounting and billing systems (Unanet preferred). - Preferred: CPA certification and experience supporting scaling finance operations in a $10M–$50M organization. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior leadership. Requirements - Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field. - 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience. - Minimum 5 years in a government services or government contracting environment. - Strong knowledge of GAAP, FAR Part 31, and DCAA compliance. - Prior management or senior accountant experience, including team leadership. - Hands-on experience with accounting and billing systems (Unanet preferred). - Preferred: CPA certification and experience supporting scaling finance operations in a $10M–$50M organization. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior leadership. Benefits - Competitive salary range of $160,000–$200,000 with market-leading bonus opportunities. - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with partial or full company subsidy. - 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions and immediate vesting. - Paid time off: 20 days PTO, 11 holidays, plus bereavement, jury duty, parental, and military leave. - Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance. - Professional development reimbursement, health club reimbursement, and pet insurance. - Matching donation program, philanthropic activities, and sabbatical programs. - Supportive and award-winning workplace culture recognized as “Best Place to Work.”

• Proactively develop, standardize and optimize controlling and finance processes, consistently leveraging SAP standard processes. • Lead and actively participate in internal projects, including the further development of profit center accounting and project controlling. • Act as the subject-matter interface and work closely with Accounting, business units and management. • Prepare ad hoc analyses and decision-making materials for executive management. • Prepare company planning and rolling forecasts, including plan/actual, forecast/actual and variance analyses for the group. • Enhance reports, KPI systems and analyses to support company management. • SAP-based controlling in the area of projects.

• Lead end-to-end monthly close for US and Australian entities. • Prepare consolidated trial balances across multiple international subsidiaries. • Deliver financial reports for internal stakeholders, investors, and banking partners. • Monitor and implement new accounting standards and technical research. • Review general ledger reconciliations prepared by the Senior Accountant. • Establish and maintain robust internal controls to mitigate fraud risk. • Manage compliance with property, sales, and use tax obligations. • Ensure compliance with bank covenants and tax equity agreements. • Partner with the Controller and external providers on audits and tax filings. • Oversee fixed asset management and related system records. • Manage and develop a team of 2-4 high-performing accounting professionals. • Champion NetSuite enhancements, process automation, and cost efficiencies. • Collaborate with FP&A on quarterly forecasting and special projects. • Support M&A and debt financing initiatives with key accounting insights. • Align accounting operations with business scalability across departments.

The Role Gaia is looking for an experienced, highly technical Controller to own and strengthen our core accounting and financial operations as we continue to scale as a US-based company. This is a critical leadership role for someone who is hands-on, detail-oriented, and brings strong technical accounting judgment in a fast-paced startup environment. The Controller will report to the CFO and will be responsible for the integrity of our financials, the monthly close process, audit readiness, and building scalable accounting processes across the business. This role will partner closely with cross-functional leaders and play a key role in supporting investor reporting, decision-making, and compliance as we grow. This is a US-based role. Who You Are You are a CPA with deep technical accounting expertise and high standards for accuracy and quality. You take ownership of your work end to end and are comfortable rolling up your sleeves in a lean environment. You are thoughtful about process, understand the “why” behind accounting decisions, and can balance technical rigor with business pragmatism. You thrive in ambiguity, enjoy building and improving systems, and are confident pushing back when something is not right. You are organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable working closely with leadership in a high-growth company. What You Will Do - Own the monthly close process end to end, ensuring timely, accurate financial statements - Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, including reconciliations, journal entries, and accounting policies - Lead preparation for annual audits and manage relationships with external auditors and tax advisors - Ensure compliance with US GAAP and maintain strong internal controls - Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and expense management - Review and analyze monthly operating expenses and budget variances, identifying trends, risks, and areas for improvement - Partner with Finance leadership on financial reporting, including monthly and quarterly investor reporting - Own intercompany accounting and reconciliations, as applicable - Support tax compliance and filings in partnership with external advisors - Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Product, Tech, People, and other teams to ensure financial accuracy and alignment - Identify, design, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability - Help transition and stabilize accounting operations from existing contractors and legacy processes What We Are Looking For - Active CPA required - 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or Assistant Controller experience - Deep technical accounting expertise and strong knowledge of US GAAP - Proven experience owning the close process and audit management - High attention to detail with a strong sense of accountability - Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a startup or high-growth environment - Strong analytical skills with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly - Experience working with modern accounting systems (Xero experience a plus) - Experience with multi-entity or group accounting and consolidations - Exposure to fintech, lending, insurance, or regulated financial products is a strong plus Compensation and Benefits The base salary range for this role is $140,000–$180,000, depending on experience and alignment with the role. At Gaia, our people are the foundation of our success. We are committed to supporting our team’s wellbeing, growth, and long-term potential. In addition to a competitive, market-benchmarked salary, we offer: - Comprehensive healthcare coverage - Fertility and family-building support - A home office or setup budget for new hires - An annual personal development budget - Ongoing work on reward and recognition programs to ensure exceptional performance is meaningfully acknowledged Gaia is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in all forms. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.