Controller

Bright Machines • San Francisco, CA

8d • $190,000 - $220,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Controller at Bright Machines serves as the financial backbone of a fast-moving, multinational team spanning the US and Mexico. Reporting to senior finance leadership, you will own the accounting function end-to-end — bringing rigor, systems thinking, and a builder’s mindset to a company that is actively reshaping manufacturing. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in startup environments, can drive process from scratch, and believes AI is a core part of how modern finance teams operate. This role is based at our San Francisco headquarters. We work in-office four days a week and believe that proximity drives the kind of collaboration and speed that defines how we operate.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Background in manufacturing, contract manufacturing, or industrial technology — you understand cost of goods, inventory accounting, and operations-driven finance.
• Demonstrated experience implementing or significantly improving accounting systems and processes — you’ve built things, not just inherited them.
• Startup or high-growth company experience; you are comfortable operating without a full playbook and can build structure while the business is still moving.
• Active and enthusiastic user of AI tools in day-to-day work, with the ability to evaluate, deploy, and train others on AI-powered workflows in accounting.
• Experience managing multinational teams and navigating multi-entity consolidations; familiarity with Mexican accounting and tax compliance is a strong plus.
• CPA required; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Strong command of US GAAP; strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional and executive-level collaboration.
• Based in the San Francisco Bay Area or willing to relocate; this role requires working from our SF office four days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior involvement in audit preparation or investor due diligence.
• Background in public accounting (Big 4 or regional firm) prior to industry.

Responsibilities

• Own the full accounting cycle including GL, AP/AR, payroll, and month-end/year-end close across US and Mexico entities.
• Lead the design and implementation of scalable accounting processes, internal controls, and financial systems appropriate for a growing manufacturing company.
• Manage and develop a multinational team of six accounting professionals across the US and Mexico, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Champion the adoption of AI tools across the accounting function — identify automation opportunities, evaluate new solutions, and model AI-first workflows for your team.
• Partner with FP&A and operations to ensure accurate cost accounting, inventory valuation, and manufacturing cost reporting aligned with contract manufacturing operations.
• Lead financial systems implementations and integrations (ERP, expense management, consolidation tools), serving as the accounting SME on all system projects.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance across US and Mexican jurisdictions in partnership with external advisors.
• Support Board reporting, investor due diligence, and fundraising processes by delivering accurate, audit-ready financial packages.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees