Global Corporate Controller

Corporate Controller — High-Growth Startup

Waabi, founded by AI pioneer and visionary Raquel Urtasun, is an AI company building the next generation of self-driving technology. With a world‑class team and an innovative approach that unleashes the power of AI to “drive” safely in the real world, Waabi is bringing the promise of self‑driving closer to commercialization than ever before. Waabi is backed by best‑in‑class investors across the technology, logistics and the Canadian innovation ecosystem.

With offices in Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas and Pittsburgh, Waabi is growing quickly and looking for diverse, innovative and collaborative candidates who want to impact the world in a positive way.

We are looking for a controller who is excited to build and lead a world‑class financial organization that can keep pace with our rapid growth while allowing us to scale efficiently as we look to revolutionize the global transportation industry. Your mission is to safeguard the Company’s assets while ensuring absolute financial transparency and compliance. In your role, you will translate complex operations into clear financial narratives, ensuring the integrity of our data while creating scalable processes necessary to move us from R&D to commercial deployment in a capital efficient manner.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for Financial Leadership & Governance:
Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.

• Develop and assist with implementation of business best practices, processes and/or systems ERP, Payroll, AP, expenses etc.

• Provide technical accounting leadership:
Serve as the internal expert on complex accounting issues, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), lease accounting (ASC 842), and equity‑based compensation in addition to the below (not comprehensive):

• FBAR & Form:
Experience managing US reporting for foreign-owned corporations.

• Transfer Pricing:
Ability to establish and document intercompany service agreements to ensure profits are shared legally and tax-efficiently between the US and Canada.

• PFIC Management:
Experience in monitoring "Passive Income" vs. "Active Business" assets.

• Canadian Parent/US Subsidiary Accounting:
Experience in Foreign Currency Translation (ASCFASB 52) and managing the "Cumulative Translation Adjustment" (CTA) on the balance sheet.

• 409A Valuations & Stock‑Based Comp:
Deep knowledge of ASC 718. Managing equity for US employees under a Canadian parent structure with specific knowledge of Section 422 (ISOs) vs. Canadian Section 7 rules.

• Own the Close Process:
Design and manage a "best‑in‑class" monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close process, significantly reducing time‑to‑close while maintaining accuracy.

• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements for the executive team, investors and Board of Directors.

• Define and own all Internal Controls:
Leverage public accounting experience to design, implement, and monitor a robust internal control environment (SOX compliance where applicable).

• Manage all financial audits, tax compliance and licensing and permitting efforts. Act as the primary liaison for external auditors, managing the PBC list and ensuring a seamless annual audit.

• Track and manage revenue and expenses, including any amortisation / depreciation schedules.

• Manage all cash flow functions, including accounts receivable and payable, general ledger, payroll and related functions.

• Ensure compliance with all local, state/provincial and federal tax regulations and laws, in both Canada and the US.

• Team Development:
Mentor and scale a high‑performing accounting team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with a significant portion (5+ years) spent in Public Accounting (Big 4 or Top 10 preferred).

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting.

• CPA License.

• Management experience of both internal and external accounting teams.

• Systems Experience – experience with online accounting software, AR & AP and payroll and expense systems/software & advanced proficiency in Excel and…