Graphite is a growing boutique finance, accounting & strategy firm built to help startups scale efficiently and sustainably. We were born out of a venture capital fund, ffVC, in NYC in 2008, supporting their early-stage portfolio of early-stage companies. In 2016, we began working with the broader startup community. We are a team of seasoned Entrepreneurs, CFOs, Investors, and Accountants with a vast understanding of startup accounting and a passion for growing companies, and we’ve worked with some of the coolest startups around: The Sill, Caraway, Settle, The Muse, and Finmark to name a few.

Graphite is looking for an experienced and process-driven Accounting Client Lead ready to step into a high-impact leadership role, guiding the financial strategy for a portfolio of high-growth startup clients. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader with a proven record of establishing strong financial controls and successfully scaling accounting operations. This is a hands-on position that requires deep technical expertise, exceptional client relationship skills, and a passion for the fast-paced world of startups.

What You'll Be Leading

This role is the direct owner of the client relationship, often partnering directly with the CEOs and executive teams of innovative, rapidly scaling companies. You won't just oversee, you'll strategize, implement, and deliver the financial clarity essential for their growth.

• Client Leadership: Serve as the primary, high-touch contact for clients, owning the relationship and providing strategic advice on high-level accounting, managerial accounting, and financial activities.
• Team Development: Manage, coach, and mentor a team of Staff and Senior Accountants, providing detailed review of their work to ensure impeccable quality and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee all accounting functions, including the end-to-end monthly close process, financial statement preparation, and ensuring the smooth execution of day-to-day transactional work.
• Strategic Project Management: Coordinate and lead all activities for critical ad hoc projects, including external audits, due diligence support, and complex technical accounting research.
• Financial Insight: Deliver accurate, timely, and actionable client financial reporting to drive key decision-making. This includes sophisticated analysis of key financial metrics, trends, and variances.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with our internal Finance and Tax departments to ensure every client's financial need is met with an exceptional level of customer service.

Who You Are

You are a strategic operator with the drive to build robust financial infrastructure for the next generation of industry leaders across a diverse portfolio of startups.

• Experience: You bring approximately 8+ years of relevant accounting experience (public accounting or corporate accounting), with at least 2 years of experience managing a team.
• Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting is required. A CPA or MBA is highly preferred, but not mandatory.
• Technical Expertise (BIG Plus): Significant expertise in Web3 (Crypto) accounting and/or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) accounting is a massive advantage.
• System Proficiency: Significant experience with core GL platforms like QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, or Sage Intacct, plus exposure to modern, tech-forward systems (e.g., Bill, Ramp, Stripe, Gusto, Rippling, Cin7, Brex).
• Communication: Possess strong communication skills with the rare ability to translate complex accounting concepts into clear, concise language for clients, executives, and non-financial stakeholders.
• Mindset: You are a team player comfortable in a fast-paced environment, possessing a high degree of professionalism, motivation, and a genuine passion for working with growing startup companies