Assistant Controller (Accounting & Financial Planning)

Northern Light is looking for a talented accounting professional who is ready for something a little different. This role is designed for someone who has built a strong foundation in SaaS accounting — with solid experience in revenue recognition, deferred commissions, and SaaS cost of goods sold — and who is genuinely excited about expanding their skillset into financial planning and analysis. Whether you have come up through audit at a public accounting firm or spent your career inside a corporate accounting department, if you love closing the books but also want to understand the bigger financial picture, we think you will find this role to be a compelling next step. 

This position will own the core Assistant Controller responsibilities — month-end close, financial statements, reporting packages — while also partnering directly with the CFO on forecasting, modeling, and strategic analysis. The ideal candidate is someone who sees FP&A not as a departure from their accounting roots, but as a natural and exciting extension of them. The long-term vision is to invest in a finance professional who wants to keep growing. 

Key Responsibilities 

Accounting & Controllership 

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency 

• Maintain and apply a strong understanding of U.S. GAAP across all financial reporting, including proper revenue recognition, deferred compensation, and other appropriate accounting fundamentals 

• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements 

• Manage the A/P and A/R activity as needed 

• Support audits and act as a primary liaison with external auditors 

• Continuously improve accounting processes, controls, and documentation 

Financial Planning & Analysis (Development Focus) 

• Maintain the 13-week cash flow model on a weekly basis to ensure Northern Light is allocating resources appropriately 

• Partner directly with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis 

• Assist in building and maintaining financial models for planning and decision-making, including ARR and other relevant SaaS metric models 

• Translate financial results into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders 

• Support long-range planning and scenario analysis as the business evolves 

• Develop an understanding of key business drivers and unit economics 

Ideal Candidate Profile 

We are looking for an accounting professional who is excited about what comes next in their career — someone who wants to bring their technical foundation into a broader finance role over time. 

Must-Have Qualifications 

• Public Accounting: 3–5 years in audit at a mid-size firm, or 

• Corporate Accounting: 5–7 years as a Staff Accountant within a corporate accounting department 

• Strong understanding of GAAP fundamentals and financial statement mechanics 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 

• CPA or CPA-track are bonus points, but not required 

• Deep, hands-on SaaS accounting experience — specifically revenue recognition (ASC 606), deferred commissions, and understanding of SaaS COGS 

• Direct ownership of month-end close and preparation of monthly financial statements and reporting packages 

• A genuine interest in developing FP&A skills — forecasting, financial modeling, and scenario analysis. This does not need to be prior experience; it does need to be a real and demonstrated career aspiration

Desired Attributes 

• Intellectual curiosity — a drive to understand the “why” behind the numbers, not just the mechanics 

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to connect numbers to business outcomes 

• Comfort working in a lean, dynamic environment where you can make a real impact 

• Clear communicator who can explain financial concepts to non-finance partners 

• Career ambition to grow into senior finance leadership over time 

• Exposure to QuickBooks Online, Brex and any other relevant platforms 

Why This Role Is Different 

• Designed as a developmental role, not a terminal Controller position 

• Direct mentorship and exposure to FP&A from the CFO 

• Opportunity to build a rare hybrid skillset across accounting and finance 

• Clear pathway toward broader finance leadership for the right performer 

Work Authorization Requirements 
Must be authorized to work in the United States (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visas).  

What We Offer

• Benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). 

• Holiday and Paid time off. 

• Parental leave. 

• Life and disability insurance. 

• Remote flexibility and a supportive team culture. 

• Opportunity to work with top global brands and cutting-edge AI solutions. 

Location: Somerville, MA 

Job Type: This is a Full-Time position 

Why Join Northern Light

• Join a company shaping the future of competitive and market intelligence. 

• Work with a collaborative, high-performing team that values creativity, experimentation, and measurable results. 

• Competitive salary, benefits, and professional growth opportunities. 

• Opportunity to build something from the ground up. 

• Regular team offsites and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration 

Working at Northern Light:  
 
Northern Light is based in Boston. Northern Light is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Northern Light is an E-Verify participant.  

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.