Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Reporting

Job Description
Downstream Systems, Inc. is a leading marketplace platform that's transforming the waste and construction industries from the ground up. We're on a mission to bring simplicity, transparency, and sustainability to two of the most essential-but often overlooked-sectors of our economy.

At Downstream, we make it easy for contractors, builders, and businesses to find and book critical services like dumpster rentals, hauling, and site clean-up-all in just a few clicks. No more endless calls, confusing pricing, or waiting around. Our platform connects customers with vetted, reliable providers so they can get what they need, when they need it-without the headache.

But we're not just about convenience-we're about impact. By streamlining logistics and digitizing the supply chain, we're helping reduce waste, cut emissions, and build a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone. Whether you're managing a small job site or a major development project, Downstream is here to help you keep things moving-efficiently, affordably, and responsibly.

Let's build better, together.

Role Specifics:

Downstream is seeking a Controller to own day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate, timely, GAAP-compliant financials as we scale. This role is both strategic and hands-on, supporting leadership with clean reporting, strong controls, and insights that drive better decisions.

You will be responsible for financial close, multi-state sales & use tax compliance, budgeting vs. actuals, and building scalable accounting processes for a high-growth marketplace.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process
• Ensure GAAP-compliant financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)
• Oversee revenue recognition for a marketplace business model
• Manage accruals, prepaid expenses, and expense classification
• Maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies

Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting

• Lead Budget vs. Actual reporting and variance analysis
• Partner with leadership on forecasting and cash-flow planning
• Prepare management reporting for executives and board meetings
• Support investor and lender reporting as needed

Multi-State Sales & Use Tax

• Own multi-state sales tax and use tax compliance
• Coordinate nexus determinations, filings, and remittances
• Manage sales-tax exemptions and documentation
• Work with external advisors and tax software providers as needed

AP / AR / Marketplace Complexity

• Oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processes
• Manage supplier payouts, accruals, and reconciliation timing
• Ensure accurate treatment of marketplace COGS vs. gross revenue
• Monitor aging schedules and support collections strategy

Systems, Process & Scale

• Own accounting systems (e.g., Xero)
• Improve close timelines, automation, and documentation
• Partner cross-functionally with Ops, Sales, and Product
• Support audits, tax filings, and future system upgrades

Requirements

Required

• 5-10+ years of accounting experience, including Controller or Senior Accounting Manager roles
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP
• Hands-on experience with multi-state sales tax / use tax
• Experience with Budget vs. Actuals and variance analysis
• Strong understanding of accrual accounting
• Experience in high-growth, multi-entity, or multi-state environments

Preferred

• Experience in a marketplace, SaaS, fintech, or transactional platform
• CPA or CPA-eligible
• Experience supporting fundraising, audits, or lender reporting
• Familiarity with construction, logistics, or services-based businesses

What Success Looks Like

• Timely month-end close
• Clear visibility into margin, cash flow, and operating performance
• Sales tax compliance across all operating states
• Scalable accounting processes that grow with the business

Role-Specific Perks

• Be a key finance leader at a fast-growing marketplace
• High ownership and influence on how the company scales
• Partner closely with executive leadership
• Build systems and processes from the ground up
• Competitive compensation and meaningful equity opportunity