Controller, Symmetry

About Gusto

At Gusto, we're on a mission to grow the small business economy. We handle the hard stuff — payroll, health insurance, 401(k)s, and HR — so owners can focus on their craft and their customers. With teams in Denver, San Francisco, and New York, we support more than 500,000 small businesses nationwide and are building a workplace that reflects the people we serve.

All full-time employees receive competitive base pay, benefits, and equity (RSUs) — because everyone who helps build Gusto should share in its success. Offer amounts are determined by role, level, and location. Learn more about our Total Rewards philosophy.

AI is a fundamental part of how work gets done at Gusto. We expect all team members to actively engage with AI tools relevant to their role and grow their fluency as the technology evolves. AI experience requirements vary by role and will be assessed during the interview process.

Symmetry Software is part of Gusto. Symmetry is the payroll infrastructure for software & payroll platforms powering the paychecks of over 64 million workers each year. Our fully integrated suite of payroll tax APIs and software tools allows companies to solve tax compliance issues and build applications across the entirety of the payroll process.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Controller for Symmetry. Our systems and processes are well established, and we are looking for a professional ready for a new adventure. Experience in the software industry and with NetSuite is a plus. A strong understanding of the payroll industry and revenue recognition is also beneficial.

Symmetry Software has been in business since 1984, earning a reputation for innovative solutions and high-level service in the payroll industry. We believe a great team is the key to a great company. If you are a hardworking individual who values trust, you may be a great fit for our organization.

This role sits at the intersection of SaaS accounting, AI-enabled operations, and compliance. You will partner closely with our parent organization, Gusto, and their Finance & Business Operations (FBOS) team. Additionally, you will work alongside our NetSuite Administrator, Sales, and Service teams, serving as a strategic finance partner to the CFO.

Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:

Financial Close & Reporting

Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, producing GAAP financials and management reports for leadership and Gusto FBOS.

Prepare monthly flux analyses, including budget-to-actual and period-over-period variance commentary.

Coordinate with external auditors and Gusto's corporate accounting team for audits and compliance filings.

Develop and maintain accounting policies, controls, and procedures for financial reporting and corporate activities.

Internally Developed Software (IUS) & CCA Accounting

Manage accounting for the Internal Use Software (IUS) and Cloud Computing Arrangement (CCA) under ASC 350-40.

Partner with Engineering and Product on cost classification and track capitalized assets.

Coordinate amortization in NetSuite and maintain IUS/CCA policies in alignment with Gusto standards.

NetSuite Partnership & System Utilization

Serve as the primary Finance stakeholder for NetSuite, ensuring the system is optimized for accounting needs.

Collaborate with the NetSuite Administrator to evaluate and maintain integrations, such as commission tracking and AP scanning.

Build NetSuite saved searches, reports, and dashboards to support financial analysis.

SaaS Revenue & Contract Accounting

Apply expertise in SaaS revenue recognition to ensure treatment of ARR, usage-based revenue, contract renewals, multi-year deals, and deferred revenue

Partner with Sales and Finance to support complex contract negotiations, multi-year pricing structures, and usage reporting and special arrangements.

Support ARR reporting, quota tracking, and commissions accounting including the buildout of commissions automation through NetSuite or add-on application.

AI & Process Automation

Champion the use of AI and automation tools to modernize finance workflows including close processes, reconciliations, reporting, and vendor management.

Identify and pilot AI tools that reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and increase the pace of financial reporting cycles.

Compliance, Controls & Tax

Own the financial components of annual vendor risk assessments.

Drive compliance with state and local tax jurisdictions using integrated tax software (Avalara).

Team Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting Specialist, fostering a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous growth.

Serve as a strategic partner to the CFO and department leaders, bringing financial clarity to cross-functional business decisions.

Here’s what we're looking for:

3+ years as a Controller or Senior Accounting Manager.

Proficiency in corporate accounting and GAAP.

Familiarity with AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.) in finance workflows.

Experience with parent-company reporting and consolidations.

Core Skills & Attributes:

Positive attitude and a desire to learn.

Strong communication skills; ability to present financial data to non-finance audiences.

Effective organization and prioritization abilities.

Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead or partner as needed.

Nice to Have:

NetSuite experience is a plus.

Experience at a SaaS company, knowledge of SaaS revenue recognition (ASC 606).

Experience with IUS and CCA accounting (ASC 350-40) including capitalization policy, lifecycle tracking, and amortization.

CPA or master’s degree.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree required.

Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $158,000/yr to $195,000/yr in Scottsdale & most major metro locations. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed above.

Gusto has physical office spaces in Denver, San Francisco, and New York City. Employees who are based in those locations will be expected to work from the office on designated days approximately 2-3 days per week (or more depending on role). The same office expectations apply to all Symmetry roles, Gusto's subsidiary, whose physical office is in Scottsdale.

Note: The San Francisco office expectations encompass both the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas.

When approved to work from a location other than a Gusto office, a secure, reliable, and consistent internet connection is required. This includes non-office days for hybrid employees.

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for small businesses, you will find a home at Gusto.

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