Source: StartWire

Who we are looking for:

Motif Investing is a new and innovative venture backed online brokerage start-up that’s all about making it easy to invest in big ideas and trends. We’re looking for passionate self-starters who will stop at nothing to democratize investing and empower millions of people.  Motif is seeking an experienced Controller with demonstrated experience in developing and implementing sound and efficient financial systems and controls in a high-transaction, rapid growth, consumer internet environment and the ability to interface heavily with Motif’s external auditors and internal management team. The Controller is expected to drive the daily accounting operations and reporting, including project managing the external audit and preparing regular reports to financial regulatory authorities, implementation of US GAAP technical pronouncements and working with management to streamline the internal reporting process.

What you’ll be doing:

In this hands-on position, you will report to the CFO.

Who we are looking for:

Motif Investing is a new and innovative venture backed online brokerage start-up that’s all about making it easy to invest in big ideas and trends. We’re looking for passionate self-starters who will stop at nothing to democratize investing and empower millions of people.  Motif is seeking an experienced Controller with demonstrated experience in developing and implementing sound and efficient financial systems and controls in a high-transaction, rapid growth, consumer internet environment and the ability to interface heavily with Motif’s external auditors and internal management team. The Controller is expected to drive the daily accounting operations and reporting, including project managing the external audit and preparing regular reports to financial regulatory authorities, implementation of US GAAP technical pronouncements and working with management to streamline the internal reporting process.

What you’ll be doing:

In this hands-on position, you will report to the CFO and will be responsible for managing the accounting, internal controls, financial systems and periodic financial reports.

• Drive month-end financial close process including reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, approval of general ledger journal entries, etc.
• Reconcile bank account and clearing broker statements
• Provide accurate and timely consolidated accounting data and financial statements
• Build, train and supervise accounting staff as the company grows
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of regulatory reports, particularly FOCUS reports
• Ownership of the accounting of BD books, ledgers and records, governance over all accounting entries, including invoices and expenses, and month end process, including Balance Sheet and P&L reviews
• Ensure integrity of financial data and compliance with GAAP, and maintain proper internal controls over financial reporting
• Act as principal source of technical accounting expertise; proactively identify accounting issues relevant to Motif Investing and research and document in accounting memos where necessary
• Understand and remain current with the applicable federal and state securities laws and regulations, and rules relating to financial and operational responsibility
• Project manage the external audit and tax preparation processes, which includes coordinating directly with external auditors on scheduling, PBC requests and resolution of key technical issues
• Prepare technical memos on complex accounting areas such as preferred stock, income tax accounting, stock-based compensation, etc.
• Manage accounting for stock-based compensation and the capitalization of web site development costs
• Prepare financial statements for internal and external reporting
• Prepare and/or review consolidated and ad hoc financials reports
• Participate and/or lead ad hoc projects as needed
• Respond to FINRA inquiries regarding financial statements and related issues, and collaborate with Compliance department in managing FINRA examinations

Desired Skills and Experience:

• BA/BS Degree in Accounting, Finance or related major
• CPA and experience working extensively with external auditors required, Big 4 experience desired
• 10+ years of professional experience. Including public company experience
• 5+ years of experience in the brokerage business required (dealing with a clearing broker a strong plus) including securities license requirement (Series 27 at a minimum, if candidate does not currently have, then prompt licensing after hire is required).
• Experience in selecting, implementing and managing an ERP system a plus
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP, PCAOB, and AICPA standards
• Experience and comfort in building systems and controls from the ground-up in a high-growth, start-up environment
• Excellent management, written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills. Presume that over time you will build and manage a large team
• Ability to solve problems and work in a fast paced environment with minimal supervision
• International experience a plus (e.g. organizing subs, tax efficient aware)
• Highly organized
• Advanced MS Excel and data management skills
• High proficiency in systems and IT tools like MS Office, Quickbooks, etc.
• Attention to details and process
• Strong time management and project management skills
• Team player and do whatever it takes attitude