Controller – Finance Operations Lead

About the role

Ikigai Cases is seeking a Controller to own all financial operations, from accounting and reporting to payroll, budgeting, cash‑flow forecasting and tax coordination. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be the single point of accountability for the integrity of the numbers and will provide strategic insight that drives capital allocation.

Key responsibilities

• Close the books by the 10th of each month and produce reviewed P&L, balance sheet and cash‑flow statements.
• Maintain a clean chart of accounts and resolve misclassifications without CEO intervention.
• Prepare, monitor and report on monthly, quarterly and annual budgets; generate variance analysis with plain‑language explanations.
• Update balance‑sheet items and expense forecasts weekly within the company’s financial models.
• Maintain a 13‑week cash‑flow forecast, flagging risks and cash movements proactively.
• Own bi‑weekly payroll processing across ADP (US) and Deel (Philippines) with zero‑error standards.
• Coordinate tax filings and sales‑tax compliance across multiple states.
• Partner with the external financial advisor and build scalable financial systems.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Controller or equivalent for an e‑commerce/DTC brand generating $10‑30 M in revenue.
• Deep understanding of e‑commerce financial rhythms: Shopify revenue recognition, inventory accounting, seasonal cash‑flow swings and multi‑state sales‑tax.
• Track record of building financial processes and systems, not just operating them.
• Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to senior leadership.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling.
• Experience with ADP payroll, Deel contractor payments, and Finaloop reporting platform.
• Cash‑flow forecasting and budgeting expertise.
• Knowledge of Shopify revenue recognition and inventory accounting.
• Tax coordination and multi‑state sales‑tax compliance.

What we offer

• Remote‑first work environment.
• Direct impact on a fast‑growing $11.5 M business aiming for $30 M by 2028.
• Collaboration with the CEO and external financial advisor.