Controller -- Pre-IPO / Public Company
Job Description
Clear Markets operates regulated electronic marketplaces for crypto, prediction markets, and AI compute derivatives (Swaps). The company is a multi-entity, multi-currency group (US, UK, and Japan; six subsidiaries) possibly preparing to go public via a SPAC merger. We are building our public-company finance function from the ground up — first-time PCAOB audit, a new multi-entity ERP, and the controls and reporting infrastructure a public company requires. The Controller will be the operational backbone of that build, reporting directly to the CFO and serving as the day-to-day owner of accounting across the group. This is a builder’s role, not a caretaker’s: you will replace manual processes, stand up systems, and set the standards the company runs on for years.
Key Responsibilities Include:
• Own the monthly and quarterly close and the multi-entity, multi-currency consolidation (USD/GBP/JPY) across six subsidiaries — replacing the current spreadsheet-based consolidation with a systematized process.
• Lead accounting support for the first-time PCAOB audit; act as primary liaison to external auditors and coordinate the Japan entity’s local accountant/auditor into the group audit.
• Lead or co-lead implementation of NetSuite OneWorld (or equivalent), including chart-of-accounts redesign, migration from QuickBooks, and intercompany and FX automation.
• Design and operate revenue recognition for trading-commission revenue under ASC 606, including the trade-capture integration needed to process high transaction volumes automatically.
• Build the accounting policies and procedures manual and establish internal controls over financial reporting (SOX 404(a)); drive remediation of identified control gaps.
• Support de-SPAC and SEC financial reporting — S-4/proxy financial statements and go-forward 10-Q/10-K filings — working alongside outside advisors and counsel.
• Manage intercompany accounting, foreign-currency translation (ASC 830), and support for regulatory financial reporting across regulated entities (CFTC, FCA, JFSA), in partnership with Compliance.
Required Qualifications:
• CPA with 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including time as Controller or Assistant Controller at a publicly traded company.
• Direct experience with a PCAOB audit (first-time preferred) and public-company SEC reporting.
• Hands-on expertise with NetSuite OneWorld or an equivalent multi-entity ERP, including multi-entity consolidation and multi-currency.
• Strong US GAAP technical accounting: revenue (ASC 606), consolidation (ASC 810), and foreign currency (ASC 830); working comfort with stock compensation (ASC 718) and income taxes (ASC 740).
• Demonstrated experience building or strengthening internal controls (SOX/ICFR) and authoring accounting policies.
• Experience consolidating international subsidiaries across multiple currencies.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Financial-services background — broker-dealer, FCM, inter-dealer broker, exchange, or trading firm.
• Experience through a SPAC merger / de-SPAC or IPO.
• ERP implementation experience (led or heavily participated in a go-live).
• Experience with UK and/or Japan subsidiaries and cross-GAAP conversions (IFRS/FRS 102, JGAAP → US GAAP).
• Comfort in a lean, pre-revenue, fast-scaling environment where you build rather than inherit.
First 9 months will be:
- Close the FY2026 audit alongside our advisors, stand up a new ERP and retire the Excel consolidation, establish the core control environment, and have commission revenue recognition live and tested before revenue turns on.