Who We Are
30,000 products are launched every year, and 90% of them fail. Highlight is the first and only end-to-end agile product testing platform, enabling the efficient collection of scaled product performance data. Brands like Nestle, P&G, and Estee Lauder rely on Highlight for competitive benchmarking, pre-launch formulation testing, in-market product renovation, and more, to optimize product success. Highlight, launched in 2021, has seen runaway growth and scale, having tested hundreds of products at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional analog methods, and becoming the dominant SaaS platform in the product testing space. Highlight is a woman-owned, minority-owned startup on a mission to create better products for people and the planet. We’re a diverse and collaborative team committed to fostering an environment of innovation, impact, and growth.
We are seeking an experienced and self-motivated Controller to lead our accounting operations and ensure the integrity of our financial reporting. The Controller will play a key role in managing all aspects of accounting, financial compliance, and reporting while providing strategic support to the Head of Finance. This role requires a hands-on professional with a strong background in accounting, financial controls, and process improvement, capable of working autonomously while leading and mentoring a senior accountant.
\n- Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
- Prepare and review financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements.
- Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and coordinate with other departments to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
- Manage and maintain processes and procedures for reconciling accounts to ensure the proper recording of all accounting transactions.
- Partner with the Head of Finance to develop budgets, forecasts, and financial strategies to support business objectives.
- Lead and mentor the senior accountant, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
- Manage relationships and maintain clear communication with multiple vendors, contractors, and business partners
- Collaborate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation within the accounting function.
- Evaluate and maintain proper internal controls and related processes.
- Assist in cash flow management, financial planning, and ad hoc financial analysis as needed.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends, accounting standards, and best practices to ensure the company’s financial operations remain compliant and efficient.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA certification preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a Controller or leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.
- Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and take initiative in problem-solving.
- Experience managing and mentoring accounting staff.
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent analytical skills with a strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
- Experience in a fast-paced environment, preferably in a startup or growth-stage company, is a plus.
- Self-driven motivator who takes initiative on projects with a strong ability to understand and solve creative challenges.
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with 100% of employee and 75% of dependent premiums covered
- Unlimited PTO
- Flexible, remote WFH culture
- Access to the iconic Hearst Tower & its facilities in NYC (should you choose to ever be in person)
- Based on previous experience and skillset, the starting salary range for this position: $125,000 - $160,000 annually
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. At Highlight, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful. We are committed to building a team that comes from a wide range of backgrounds - including but not limited to - race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, disability, and veteran status. If you’re someone who can think rigorously and isn’t afraid to challenge assumptions, join us.
We've built a world-class team with decades of experience in the space. We’ve encountered the problems we’re trying to solve first hand and care deeply about making better products. We’ve been fortunate to raise a seed round from First Round Capital as well as experienced angels and insiders to help us further our mission. We’re also a passionate, capable, and empathetic team who live by our Humans First value. We have fun, we care about one another, and we’re all in on tacos.
