Job Details

Title: Controller

Location: Bay Area, California

Reporting Structure: CEO/Co-Founder

Overview:

Seel is an AI-powered platform that helps global brands and marketplaces transform post-purchase risks into growth opportunities through our compliance-first solutions. Seel is trusted by thousands of online merchants, from leading DTC brands to multi-billion dollar marketplaces. Seel enables brands and marketplaces to offer risk-free shopping experiences at no financial or operational cost to them. We're a Series B company headquartered in San Francisco and backed by tier 1 fintech investors like Lightspeed Venture Partners and Foundation Capital.

Quick facts:

• Raised $24M in funding from tier 1 Fintech investors like Lightspeed Venture Partners and Foundation Capital
• Series B startup that is profitable now --> 10x revenue in 2025 and have 3+ years of runway

Role Overview

Seel is seeking a Controller to oversee all core accounting, reporting, and compliance functions within a regulated insurance environment. This role will be responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and scalable accounting operations as the company grows. The ideal candidate brings deep insurance accounting expertise, experience leading teams, and the ability to partner cross-functionally with finance, product, and engineering.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, revenue recognition, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and expense management
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes with accuracy and timeliness
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and applicable Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) for insurance entities
• Develop internal financial reporting packages for executive leadership and board review
• Coordinate with external auditors for financial statement and regulatory audits, including state insurance department examinations

Financial Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting, premium flows, claims payments, and trust (fiduciary) accounts
• Ensure compliance with insurance regulatory requirements, including premium tax filings, payment processor reconciliations, and fiduciary standards
• Oversee payroll accounting and ensure timely filing and payment of federal, state, and local payroll taxes
• Manage overall tax compliance, including income tax, sales/use tax, premium tax, and VAT (as applicable)
• Partner with external tax advisors to support domestic and international tax filings, tax provisioning, transfer pricing, and cross-border reporting

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Provide coaching and professional development to strengthen technical accounting, analytical, and operational capabilities
• Establish clear performance expectations, workflows, and training programs to support team growth and succession planning
• Serve as a trusted advisor and escalation point for both junior and senior accountants

Systems & Process Optimization

• Partner with product and engineering teams to design and maintain accurate financial data flows across policy administration, billing, and claims systems
• Drive automation and process improvements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of accounting operations

Strategic Finance Partnership

• Collaborate closely with Strategic Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
• Provide insights into unit economics, expense trends, and cost optimization opportunities
• Support capital raises, investor reporting, and financial due diligence processes

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Proficiency in SQL/Big Data
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 2+ years in a Controller or Assistant Controller capacity.
• Prior experience in insurance, fintech, or regulated financial services.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP and exposure to insurance accounting (ASC 944) or revenue recognition (ASC 606).
• Proven ability to design and scale financial processes in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing payroll accounting and ensuring compliance with payroll tax requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of domestic and international tax compliance, including income tax, indirect tax, and cross-border reporting.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to coach, mentor, and grow accounting staff.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and operational rigor.

Preferred:

• Experience at an insurtech, MGA, carrier, or payments company.
• Knowledge of premium trust accounting, reinsurance accounting, and insurance premium tax compliance.
• Hands-on experience with modern finance tools (e.g., NetSuite, Brex, Stripe).
• Startup or venture-backed company experience.
• Exposure to international entity management and tax structuring.
• IPO experience.

Compensation & Structure

• $250K
• Equity in a profitable Series B startup
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Direct collaboration with founders and early team

Our client is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you're passionate about e-commerce and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you! Join us in shaping the future of online commerce.