When you think about accounting at growth stage companies, the word "artistry" might not immediately come to mind, but Desene Sterling makes a compelling case for it in this episode of Controllers Classified. As the Controller at Sourcegraph, Desene describes how crafting processes, like implementing procurement workflows or streamlining month-end close, feels like painting a masterpiece—except her medium is reconciliations and financial statements.

This episode takes a deep dive into what it takes to build an accounting function from scratch in a growth stage startup. Desene recounts the feeling of being the first in-house accounting hire, navigating "free-for-all" credit card policies and training teams to embrace structure in a way that doesn’t stifle innovation. Her philosophy? Build processes that flex and grow alongside the company, even if that means starting with something imperfect.

But it’s not all about debits and credits—relationships take center stage too. Desene explains how building credibility with colleagues and positioning finance as a partner (and not just an enforcer) are critical steps in successful change management. She also spends time on what she looks for in talent when building out her team, noting that nothing is more important than hiring people who can manage the details while keeping sight of the big picture.

From detailing the nuances of SaaS and on-prem revenue recognition to recounting an unforgettable typo on a 10-Q filing, this episode showcases how accountants at growth-stage companies tackle big challenges with grit, ingenuity, and the occasional dose of humor.

Key Quotes

“What keeps me coming back in accounting specifically at growth stage companies is that I get so much satisfaction out of building.”
“I assume this is how artists feel after they paint a painting. When I see a bunch of reconciliations and really nice financials, I am like ‘ah yes!’”
“We try to get people to feel more responsible for their spend at the company”
“I want finance to be seen as a group that has authority, but at the same time, I don’t want to just say no. I want to be a partner”
“To create value for themselves, finance needs to tie back what they are doing to how they are making the company more valuable”
“By nature, I want tons of structure whereas the rest of the company just wants to move fast. So, I need to think about a process or control that can flex.”

Time Stamps

(00:54) Operational vs. public accounting
(02:03) Building processes in growth stage companies
(06:43) Change management with new processes
(14:31) The importance of relationship building
(20:06) Preparing for audits
(25:48) Balancing controls and speed
(34:01) Advice for aspiring startup accountants

Links