Company Overview:
We are building Protege to solve the biggest unmet need in AI — getting access to the right training data. The process today is time intensive, incredibly expensive, and often ends in failure. The Protege platform facilitates the secure, efficient, and privacy-centric exchange of AI training data.
Solving AI’s data problem is a generational opportunity. We’re backed by world-class investors and already powering partnerships with some of the most ambitious teams in AI. The company that succeeds will be one of the largest in AI — and in tech.
We’re a lean, fast-moving, high-trust team of builders who are obsessed with velocity and impact. Our culture is built for people who thrive on ambiguity, own outcomes, and want to shape the future of data and AI.
Role Overview:As Controller at Protege, you will own the company’s day-to-day financial operations and serve as a key partner to our Head of People & Operations and Finance Leadership and leadership team. You’ll ensure that our financial systems, reporting, and controls scale in step with our rapid growth.
This is a role for someone who is hands-on, detail-oriented, and excited to build foundational financial infrastructure in a fast-moving, mission-driven company. You’ll manage accounting processes, implement scalable systems, and deliver the insights that help drive strategic decisions.
Key Responsibilities:Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, expense management, and reconciliations
Lead the monthly and quarterly close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial statements
Own financial systems and controls — continuously improving processes, automation, and documentation
Manage compliance, audits, and tax filings in coordination with external partners
Partner with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, month-end closes, cash flow management, and financial analysis
Collaborate with business leaders across departments to align financial reporting with operational metrics
Prepare and maintain internal management reports and board materials
Support vendor management, procurement, and contract reviews from a financial perspective
5–8 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, ideally with startup or high-growth tech exposure
Strong understanding of GAAP accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls; particular command of ASC 606 Revenue Recognition procedures
Proficiency with QuickBooks Online (or equivalent) and experience integrating financial tools (Ramp, Rippling, Bill.com, etc.)
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of owning complex processes end-to-end
Excellent communicator with the ability to distill financial information for non-finance stakeholders
You are proactive, resourceful, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-moving environment
You treat those around you with kindness and integrity
CPA or equivalent certification
Experience in SaaS or B2B marketplace business models
Exposure to multi-entity or international accounting (IFRS)
Background in implementing new finance systems or ERP migrations
Prior experience as an external auditor or managing external audit processes in-house
Top Skills
What We Do
The biggest unmet need in AI today is getting access to the right training data. Data holders often don’t know where to start and are rightly concerned about governance, intellectual property, and security implications. AI companies can spend years finding and negotiating access to the data they need.
Protege is solving these problems by providing an easy-to-use platform to connect data holders with vetted data users.
