Director of Accounting / Controller

Job Description

About the rolen

We’re hiring a Director of Accounting / Controller to help lead Preply through its next phase of growth and build the accounting foundation required for IPO readiness.

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This is not a steady-state role. Preply has scaled rapidly – and now needs to upgrade its accounting infrastructure, processes, and team to public-company standards. You will lead that transformation.

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You’ll partner closely with the VP Accounting and CFO to build a function that is:

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• Fast (disciplined, compressed close)

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• Clean (accurate, reliable financials)

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• Audit-ready (SOX-compliant, externally trusted)

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• AI-enabled (automated, insight-driven)

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This is a high-ownership, high-impact role with direct visibility to leadership, auditors, and future public market stakeholders.

nWhat you’ll be doingn

Build and scale the accounting function

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• Own and transform the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, driving significant improvements in speed, structure, and discipline

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• Build a SOX 404-compliant controls environment from the ground up

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• Establish public-company-grade reporting, including audit-ready financial statements

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• Lead technical accounting across complex areas (revenue, SBC, consolidation, etc.)

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Drive transformation and automation

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• Identify and eliminate manual processes through automation and AI-enabled workflows

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• Improve data quality, systems, and reporting infrastructure (NetSuite, etc.)

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• Deliver step-change efficiency gains across accounting operations

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Build and lead a high-performing team

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• Assess current team capabilities and upgrade talent where needed

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• Define the right structure, roles, and responsibilities for scale

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• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and excellence

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Partner across the business

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• Work closely with FP&A, Legal, Tax, and Operations to ensure alignment

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• Act as a trusted advisor to Finance leadership on IPO readiness

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• Partner with auditors and external advisors to ensure smooth execution

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nWhat you need to succeedn

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• Big Four background (PwC, Deloitte, EY, or KPMG)

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• 10+ years of experience in accounting, including leadership roles

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• Proven experience building or transforming accounting functions in high-growth environments

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• Hands‑on experience with SOX 404 design and implementation

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• Strong expertise in US GAAP and external reporting (10-K, 10-Q, S-1 exposure)

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• Track record of improving close processes and operational rigor

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• Strong people leadership and ability to drive change

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nNice to haven

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• Pre‑IPO or IPO experience

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• Experience in SaaS, marketplace, or global tech companies

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• Exposure to automation / AI in finance

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nDiversity, Equity, and Inclusionn

Preply.com is committed to creating an inclusive environment where people of diverse backgrounds can thrive. We believe that the presence of different opinions and viewpoints is a key ingredient for our success as a multicultural Ed-Tech company. That means that Preply will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or veteran status.

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