Controller (Remote)

EMPOWER OVERVIEW
Empower is shaking up an outdated financial system by providing real opportunity for our customers: the opportunity to get the cash they need, to access fair credit, and to change their financial story. Today, we're helping millions of people find financial security through machine learning models that evaluate creditworthiness using a more inclusive lens and mobile-first products: Cash Advance, Thrive line of credit, and Petal credit cards. Tomorrow? Creating even more financial paths for our customers (and their wallets) to succeed.
This year, Empower ranked #65 on Inc. 5000's Fastest-Growing Private Companies list - our third year in a row cracking the top 100 - and was named by Forbes as one of the 25 Next Billion-Dollar Startups for 2024. Empower was also featured by Forbes on America's Best Startup Employers list in 2023, and our Thrive line of credit product was named by Fast Company as one of 2022's Next Big Things in Tech.
Empower is backed by Sequoia Capital, Blisce, and Icon Ventures. Ready to grow your impact and accelerate your career? Take a look at our open roles - we can't wait to meet you.
THE EMPOWER WAY
Great Expectations: We come up with bold, audacious goals for ourselves and go all out for impact
Owner Mindset: We give every employee latitude to act independently, make smart choices, and move the business forward
Spirited Debate: We love skeptics and seek counter opinions to challenge our personal assumptions and expand our view
Customer Obsession: We listen to understand, empathize, and create a memorable, rewarding experience for our community
Inclusive Collaboration: We believe diverse teams make the best decisions, and we strive to give diverse voices a seat at the table
No Jerks Allowed: We value our relationships and take the time to build trust and connection and communicate respectfully
WHAT EMPOWER OFFERS
Competitive salary
Generous equity package
Full healthcare benefits
Technology expense reimbursement
Work from anywhere
JOB DESCRIPTION
As Controller, you will report to the CFO and be responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of our financial reporting. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leadership in financial control within the FinTech or related industries, with experience guiding companies through significant growth phases and public offerings.
Travel for company offsites is expected at a minimum 2 times a year.
Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership: Lead the accounting function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP, as well as compliance with SEC regulations and other applicable laws.
• Strategic Planning: Work closely with the CFO and FP&A team to develop financial strategies that support the company's growth objectives.
• Internal Controls and Compliance: Design, implement, and maintain a robust system of internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the accuracy of financial statements.
• Team Management and Development: Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing accounting team capable of supporting the company's growth and adaptability through its scaling and IPO journey.
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as a key liaison with external auditors, regulatory bodies, and investors, ensuring clear and transparent communication of the company's financial status and outlook.
• Process Improvement: Continuously assess and improve financial and accounting processes and systems to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and support scaling operations.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA or equivalent certification is required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a FinTech or fast-growing tech company.
• Demonstrated experience leading a company through significant growth phases.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, SEC reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements in the financial services industry.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to develop and mentor a team.
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities to engage with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in financial software and systems (including NetSuite), with a keen eye for leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency.

At Empower, we hire for people that push themselves to understand others and seek out ways to challenge their personal assumptions. Our hope is that by fostering such an environment, we strengthen our business and relationships by putting people first. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workspace where everyone (regardless of age, education, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any personal characteristics) feels like they belong. Even if your experience doesn't exactly match up to our job description, you should feel empowered to apply regardless!