Controller

Atomic Machines•Santa Clara, CA

4h•$225,000 - $290,000

About The Position

We’re hiring a Controller to build the financial backbone that will carry us from breakthrough prototypes to high-volume production. This is a hands-on role for a builder who can establish strong fundamentals quickly—close, controls, inventory/cost accounting, systems, and audit readiness—and then hire and lead a team to support the next stage of growth. Reporting to the CEO, you’ll be the company’s accounting leader and a key partner to operations. You’ll ensure the integrity of our financials, build scalable processes and policies, and serve as the primary stakeholder for financial systems (ERP and related infrastructure). You will work closely with Finance, Operations, and Strategic Growth to align accounting infrastructure with the company’s mission and pace. This is an autonomous, fast-paced environment, and you will contribute to a world-changing vision. This role can be based in Emeryville or Santa Clara.

Requirements

CPA and 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in manufacturing, hardware, or capital equipment businesses; 5+ years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
Experience implementing or scaling ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, etc.
Deep expertise in inventory accounting, standard costing & cost accounting, WIP accounting, revenue recognition (ASC 606), and capex & fixed asset accounting.
Experience building accounting processes from early-stage to scaled operations.
Experience leading external audits (Big 4 or national firm preferred).
Strong GAAP expertise and demonstrated ability to build processes and policies in a scaling company.
Manufacturing inventory and cost accounting depth: inventory valuation, WIP, COGS, reserves, cycle counts/physical inventory, and cost drivers.
Systems implementation experience, including ERP selection/implementation and building accounting infrastructure that scales.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; high attention to detail with the ability to operate at startup speed.
Excellent organizational and communication skills—able to translate accounting requirements to cross-functional partners.
A builder’s mindset: proactive, hands-on, comfortable in ambiguity, and motivated to create structure where little exists.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or another technical discipline.

Responsibilities

Own all accounting operations, ensure scalable financial infrastructure, and establish best-in-class controls in a complex manufacturing environment, including general ledger, revenue/AR, AP, payroll accounting, fixed assets, accruals, and financial statement integrity.
Lead a disciplined monthly/quarterly/year-end close: establish timelines, reconciliations, review controls, and a reliable reporting package.
Build manufacturing accounting foundations: implement and maintain inventory accounting, WIP/COGS mechanics, costing methodology (standard/actual as appropriate), reserves (scrap/obsolescence), and physical inventory processes.
Partner with Operations on cost visibility and process scale: analyze manufacturing costs, improve transparency, and drive decision-ready reporting on unit economics and efficiency.
Select and implement scalable systems: lead evaluation and rollout of ERP/accounting infrastructure and supporting tools (AP automation, expense management, close management).
Design and maintain internal controls and accounting policies: ensure compliance with GAAP and support future financing, audits, and growth needs.
Own external audit readiness: serve as primary point of contact for auditors, maintain support documentation, and drive a smooth annual audit process.
Coordinate tax compliance: partner with external advisors to ensure accurate and timely federal/state filings and support tax planning needs.
Build and lead the accounting team: hire, develop, and manage a team as the business scales; establish a high-accountability, high-ownership culture.