Assistant Controller

Vulcan Elements•Durham, NC

About The Position

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence and Transparency. As an assistant controller you will be responsible for supporting our building of a scaled, disciplined finance and accounting function from the ground up. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, operating in ambiguity, and helping build processes that can scale with the business. This role will work closely with the Controller and play a key role in maintaining accurate financial reporting, strengthening internal controls, and owning critical operational processes—including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and benefits administration, financial close, technical accounting, etc. Manufacturing experience is essential, as this role will interface closely with operations and support cost-driven, capital-intensive activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in accounting
4+ years of progressive accounting experience; public accounting experience a plus
Prior experience in a manufacturing environment is important
Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and operational accounting
Hands-on experience with payroll processing and benefits administration
Experience working with accounting systems
Advanced Excel skills; comfort working with large data sets and reconciliations
Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Nice To Haves

CPA or CPA-eligible
Experience in a high-growth, startup, or manufacturing environment
Exposure to equity compensation, multi-state payroll, or benefits scaling
Experience helping build or improve accounting processes and controls
Detail oriented and proactive

Responsibilities

Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation
Assist with maintaining the general ledger in accordance with U.S. GAAP
Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules
Help implement and document accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
Support external audits, tax filings, and other compliance-related requests
Assist with ad hoc financial analysis and management reporting
Process and oversee accounts payable, including invoice review, coding, approval workflows, and timely vendor payments
Manage accounts receivable operations, including customer invoicing, cash application, collections monitoring, and reconciliation of AR balances
Oversee end-to-end payroll processing in coordination with third-party payroll providers
Partner with the People Operations team with administration of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and other fringe benefits
Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business