Assistant Controller

$263,000 - $397,000/Yr

Canva - San Francisco, CA

Full-time - Senior

San Francisco, CA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

As the Assistant Controller at Canva, you will oversee core accounting activities, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of historical financials. This role is integral to achieving a best-in-class quarterly close process, enhancing financial analysis, and maintaining a strong controls framework. You will lead global teams across Revenue Accounting, Corporate Accounting, and Payroll, driving strategy and change within these teams to support Canva's growth and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Own Canva's historical financials ensuring their accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee core accounting and operational activities, including month/quarter end close processes and general ledger controllership.
• Conduct variance and flux analysis, balance sheet reconciliations, and other relevant responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Lead a team of 50+ across Revenue Accounting, Payroll, and Corporate Accounting.
• Drive strategy and change within the accounting teams, influencing structure and processes.
• Partner with the Reporting and Policy team on technical accounting issues and ensure timely financial reporting.
• Create and implement plans to enhance and reduce the timeline of the quarterly close process.
• Champion automation and efficiency across the Accounting team.
• Evaluate, develop, implement, and maintain robust internal control policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with FP&A, Tax, and other Accounting Leads for seamless close activities and financial reporting.
• Support external audit teams to ensure timely completion and incorporate improvements into the overall process.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in Accounting, ideally as an Assistant Controller / Controller in a mid to large-cap US public tech company.
• Proven success in accelerating quarter-end close timelines and evolving processes.
• Exposure to global accounting operations and finance ERPs such as Netsuite.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong coaching and mentorship skills.
• Experience leading large global teams through change.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.

Nice-to-haves

• Pre and post-IPO experience with a focus on process improvement.
• Experience with developing and maintaining a robust control environment in line with Sarbanes-Oxley framework.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP, with ASC 606 and IFRS experience preferred.
• Exposure to technical accounting and SEC reporting.

Benefits

• Equity packages
• Health benefits plan
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Inclusive parental leave policy
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance
• Flexible leave options