Controller

About MotherDuck

Don’t let the quirky name fool you: At MotherDuck, we’re on a mission to make data warehousing fun, frictionless, and ducking awesome for developers and data practitioners building blazing fast internal and customer-facing analytics experiences. We're building a cloud-hosted version of DuckDB, working hand-in-hand with the creators of the fastest-growing and fastest-improving query engine on the planet. Unlike other databases, MotherDuck was architected to unify local development with cloud operations to bridge the gap between software and data engineering workflows. Our team is a mix of thoughtful, passionate, and empathetic data industry veterans.

What you will do

At MotherDuck, we’re building the future of cloud-based data analytics with DuckDB at the core. We’re a team that values agency, thoughtfulness, flexibility, and a healthy dose of unorthodoxy. As we grow, we’re looking for a Controller who shares these values and can help us scale responsibly... without losing our scrappy, unorthodox spirit.

As our Controller, you won’t just be keeping the books balanced; you’ll be building the financial foundation that supports our growth and culture. This is a role where you’ll have real ownership, the freedom to challenge conventions, and the responsibility to create systems that balance structure with adaptability.

This is a hybrid role that can be based in our Seattle, San Francisco or New York City offices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Exercise agency: Own all aspects of accounting operations including GL, AP/AR, payroll, and expense management, designing processes that fit our unique needs.

• Embrace unorthodoxy: Find creative ways to scale finance operations without defaulting to “the way it’s always been done.”

• Practice thoughtfulness: Deliver accurate, timely reporting for leadership, the board, and investors, turning financials into clear insights that drive good decisions.

• Stay flexible: Build systems and controls that work for today while anticipating the growth and complexity of tomorrow.

• Partner with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.

• Manage relationships with auditors, tax partners, and external accountants.

• Implement and optimize financial systems and tools to enable efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and tax requirements across geographies.

What you bring

• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or equivalent leadership role.

• CPA required; Big 4 or high-growth startup experience preferred.

• Deep understanding of GAAP and financial compliance.

• Experience leading accounting operations at a scaling startup (ideally SaaS).

• Systems builder. Skilled at selecting, implementing, and improving accounting/ERP tools.

• A bias for ownership, a comfort with ambiguity, and an ability to adapt as priorities evolve.

• Strong communicator who can translate complex financials into clear, actionable guidance.

What people should be saying if you’re doing ducking awesome

• “Our financials are not just accurate, they’re insightful and actually help us make better decisions.”

• “The close is smooth, predictable, and doesn’t cause chaos.”

• “The board and investors always feel confident in our reporting.”

• “We have guardrails in place, but they don’t get in the way of flexibility or speed.”

• “They spot risks before they become issues, and bring thoughtful solutions instead of just problems.”

What we provide

• Feather-ruffling compensation – competitive salary and stock options so you have a stake in our flock’s success.

• Top-notch healthcare coverage – 100% paid medical, dental, and vision for employees, plus 80% coverage for dependents (because we care about your whole nest).

• Flexible PTO – take the time you need to recharge, explore, or just have a lazy day by the pond.

• 401k plan – because even ducks need to plan for the future.

• Legendary company events – we bring the whole flock together twice a year for unforgettable summits in fun locations, plus 1-2 team gatherings a year to keep our bonds strong.

• Hybrid work environment - spend most of the week in the office collaborating with the flock, and work from wherever you're most productive the rest of the time. Specifics are role dependent and as agreed upon with your manager.

Please Apply

Does this role sound appealing to you, but you’re missing some of the requirements or don’t quite think you’re qualified?  Please apply anyway. Research has shown that underrepresented groups in technology often shy away from roles which aren’t a 100% match. We aim to build a diverse team and will strongly consider applicants who bring many of the requirements plus have other experiences which round out their qualifications.

MotherDuck is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. MotherDuck is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and mental disabilities.