What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Controller position at Handshake?
Everyone is welcome at Handshake. We know diverse teams build better products and we are committed to creating an inclusive culture built on a foundation of respect for all individuals. We strongly encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized or underrepresented groups to apply.
Your impact
Handshake is looking for an Assistant Controller to join our rapidly growing team. Reporting to the Controller, this position is responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting function, leading efficiency initiatives and acting as a strategic partner to support Handshake further growth. You will thrive in this role if you are passionate about driving process improvements, collaborating cross functionally and developing a team of dedicated professionals.
Your role
- Oversee accounting operations, including month-end closing procedures, consolidation, and financial reporting
- Review journal entries, prepare and review monthly and quarterly account reconciliations
- Drive process improvements by identifying and implementing automation initiatives to streamline financial operations and enhance internal controls
- Manage NetSuite and other systems administration, including system configuration, user access, reporting and training
- Liaise with external service providers, including tax and accounting firms, to ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations
- Build efficiencies in treasury, foreign subsidiaries accounting and intercompany transactions processes
- Manage relationships with external auditors to ensure seamless audit execution and oversee Company audit readiness
- Coordinate preparation of GAAP compliant accounting policies and memorandums, develop, implement and maintain controls documentation
- Foster team development by coaching, mentoring, and training staff, while cultivating a collaborative environment and cross functional team engagement
- Work closely with FP&A, Payroll, HR and other departments to provide thought partnership and advise on accurate accounting treatment for complex transactions
Your experience
- 10 years of relevant experience in high growth and complex environments, ideally with a combination of experience with a Big-4 accounting firm
- 4 years of relevant experience as a people leader
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (or equivalent)
- CPA designation, or internationally recognized equivalent, and strong knowledge of US GAAP
- NetSuite experience, knowledge of accounting systems supporting month close, reporting, General ledger, Procurement
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to drive consensus across cross-functional teams and influence decision making
- Exceptional problem-solving, ownership of outcome, with a highly analytical and inquisitive work style with a keen attention to detail. Proven ability to perform independent research and develop processes from ground
- Ability to thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment with a high degree of autonomy
- IPO readiness experience is a plus
Compensation range
- $160,000 - $200,000
For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level, and geographic location, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. In order to be compliant with local legislation, as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, we share salary ranges on all job postings regardless of desired hiring location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.
About us
Handshake is the career platform for Gen Z. With a community of over 17 million students, alumni, employers, and career educators, Handshake's network is where career advice and discovery turn into first, second, and third jobs. Nearly 1 million companies use Handshake to build their future workforce—from Fortune 500 to federal agencies, school districts to startups, healthcare systems to small businesses. Handshake is built for where you're going, not where you've been.
When it comes to our workforce strategy, we've thought deeply about how work-life should look at Handshake. With our hybrid-work model, employees benefit from collaboration and shared team experiences three days per week in our vibrant offices, and enjoy the flexibility of remote work two days per week (unless noted in the specific job posting). Handshake is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in New York, London, and Berlin.
What we offer
At Handshake, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.
Benefits below apply to employees in full-time positions.
- Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.
- 16 Weeks of paid parental leave for birth giving parents & 10 weeks of paid parental leave for non-birth giving parents.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision policies including LGTBQ Coverage. We also provide resources for Mental Health Assistance, Employee Assistance Programs and counseling support.
- Handshake offers $500/£360 home office stipend for you to spend during your first 3 months to create a productive and comfortable workspace at home.
- Generous learning & development opportunities and an annual $2,000/£1,500/€1,850 stipend for you to grow your skills and career.
- Financial coaching through Origin to help you through your financial journey.
- Monthly internet stipend and a brand new MacBook to allow you to do your best work.
- Monthly commuter stipend for you to expense your travel to the office (for office-based employees).
- Free lunch provided 3x a week across all offices.
- Referral bonus to reward you when you bring great talent to Handshake.
(US-specific benefits, in addition to the first section)
- 401k Match: Handshake offers a dollar-for-dollar match on 1% of deferred salary, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.
- All full-time US-based Handshakers are eligible for our flexible time off policy to get out and see the world. In addition, we offer 13 standardized holidays, and 2 additional days of flexible holiday time off. Lastly, we have a Winter #ShakeBreak, a one-week period of Collective Time Off.
- Family support: Parental leave coaching and support provided by Parentaly. We partner with Maven Clinic to provide a lifetime coverage up to $15K for expenses related to fertility and family forming!
- Lifestyle Savings Account: We offer you an annual stipend of $500 to use for purchases such as fitness classes, gym memberships, work-from-home setup, and more.
(UK-specific benefits, in addition to the first section)
- Pension Scheme: Handshake will provide you with a workplace pension, where you will make contributions based on 5% of your salary. Handshake will pay the equivalent of 3% towards your pension plan, subject to qualifying earnings limits.
- Up to 25 days of vacation to encourage people to reset, recharge, and refresh, in addition to 8 bank holidays throughout the year.
- Regular offsites each year to bring the team together opportunity to travel to our HQ in San Francisco.
- ️ Discounts across various high street retailers, cinemas and other social activities exclusively for Handshake UK employees.
(Germany-specific benefits, in addition to the first section)
- 25 days of annual leave 5 days of a winter #ShakeBreak, a one-week period of Collective Time Off across the company.
- Regular offsites each year to bring the team together opportunity to travel to our HQ in San Francisco once a year.
- Urban sports club membership offering access to a diverse network of fitness and wellness facilities.
- ️ Discounts across various high street retailers, cinemas and other social activities exclusively for Handshake Germany employees.
Looking for more? Explore our mission, values and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.
Handshake is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation, please let your recruiter know during initial communications.
Salary : $1,500 - $2,000
