Controller, Senior Director

About Bridger Photonics, Inc.

Bridger Photonics is a leader in advanced methane detection and emissions intelligence. Using cutting-edge LiDAR technology and data-driven analytics, we provide energy operators, regulators, and stakeholders with precise, actionable insights to reduce emissions and improve operational performance.

About the role

The Controller will serve as a key financial leader during a critical scaling phase of the company. This individual will continue build, document and scale Bridger's accounting infrastructure to support rapid growth, international expansion, increasing transaction complexity, institutional capital readiness, and long-term strategic optionality.

This is not a steady-state Controller role - it requires experience in VC- and/or PE-backed environments, with a demonstrated track record of developing, implementing, and documenting scalable processes, controls, and systems that enable growth.

What you'll do

1. Build Scalable Accounting Infrastructure

• Design and implement accounting processes that scale from current state to 3-5x revenue growth.
• Establish documented, repeatable, and auditable workflows across all core accounting functions.
• Lead NetSuites ERP, Rippling (payroll) and other software and AI tools optimization or system upgrades to support scale.
• Implement automation tools to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.
• Develop accounting policies and technical memos to formalize positions.
• Create a documentation culture to ensure continuity and institutional knowledge.

2. VC/PE-Backed Operational Readiness

• Build processes aligned with investor expectations for reporting rigor and transparency.
• Prepare the company for due diligence, fundraising, debt financing, or potential M&A.
• In concert with FP&A, Develop board-ready reporting packages with enhanced KPI tracking and operational metrics.
• Implement financial controls consistent with institutional capital requirements.
• Partner with CFO to support data room readiness.

3. Revenue & Business Model Complexity

• Establish scalable revenue recognition frameworks for subscription, data, services, and hardware models.
• In concert with FP&A, ensure margin visibility by product line, customer segment, and program.
• Develop contract review processes to ensure accounting alignment before execution with legal team.

4. Internal Controls & Audit Readiness

• Design and implement a structured internal control environment.
• Formalize control documentation and testing procedures.
• Lead annual audits and manage external auditors.
• Help build SOX-readiness foundation if public readiness is anticipated.
• Ensure tax compliance and optimize R&D credits and incentives, including the establishment of international tax strategies and filings.

5. Financial Operations & Cross-Functional Integration

• Establish spend controls, procurement processes, and approval matrices.
• Drive improved working capital management.

6. Team & Organizational Development

• Evolve team structure as the company scales.
• Hire and develop high-caliber accounting talent.
• Implement clear role definitions, SOPs, and performance standards.
• Foster a culture of ownership, documentation, and accountability.

Qualifications

• 8-12+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the accounting/finance function with independent judgment and strategic initiative - including proactively identifying process improvements, organizational needs, and financial risks.
• Prior experience as Controller or senior accounting leader in a VC- or PE-backed company.
• Demonstrated experience building and documenting processes during high-growth phases.
• Prior experience mentoring and developing accounting/finance team members, with a track record of building team capacity and preparing people for expanded roles.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including complex revenue recognition.
• Experience preparing and presenting financial results, reports, or analyses to a board of directors and/or investor stakeholders, including the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance audiences
• Experience supporting fundraising, audits, or M&A diligence.
• Experience leading ERP implementations or major system upgrades.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation.
• Experience in technology, SaaS, data, hardware-enabled services, or climate/energy sectors.
• Experience scaling a company from early growth stage to institutional maturity.
• Experience managing financial operations involving international contracts, including multi-currency transactions, foreign payment processing, and/or payroll for internationally-based employees
• Familiarity with public-company readiness and compliance frameworks.