Controller

Controller (Hands-On Build Role | Hardware / Manufacturing)

Location: Scotts Valley, CA (Onsite 4–5 days/week) Relocation support provided Salary: $230,000 – $270,000 base + meaningful equity

We are a Series B, venture-backed hardware technology company building next-generation power electronics to modernize critical grid infrastructure. Our mission is to replace legacy transformer systems with highly efficient, scalable, domestically produced technology.

We are entering a major inflection point-transitioning from R&D into commercial manufacturing-and are hiring our first dedicated Controller to build the accounting function from the ground up.

This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground floor of a company with significant customer demand, deep technical leadership, and the backing of experienced operators from world-class engineering organizations.

What You'll Do

You will act as both a hands-on operator and a builder of scalable finance infrastructure:

• Lead selection and implementation of a new ERP system (transitioning off QuickBooks)
• Build inventory and cost accounting systems to support manufacturing and product COGS
• Establish and own the month-end close process, including reconciliations and journal entries
• Bring outsourced accounting functions in-house and prepare the company for its first audit
• Ensure full U.S. GAAP compliance as the company scales into production
• Hire, manage, and develop a junior accountant (already approved)
• Partner closely with engineering, operations, and leadership as products move toward production

What We're Looking For

• CPA required
• 7–12 years of progressive accounting experience
• Strong background in manufacturing, hardware, or inventory-heavy environments
• Prior experience with ERP implementation or system selection
• Deep knowledge of cost accounting, inventory accounting, and U.S. GAAP
• Comfortable as a senior individual contributor who is still hands-on today, with a path to building and leading a larger finance team
• Must be onsite in Scotts Valley (relocation support available)

Why This Role

• First dedicated Controller in a rapidly scaling hardware company
• Direct impact on building the financial foundation of a future manufacturing business
• Work alongside leadership with deep experience scaling complex engineering organizations
• Significant ownership across systems, processes, and team build-out
• Strong equity upside in a company solving a critical infrastructure problem

Ideal Background

Candidates often come from:

• High-growth hardware or manufacturing companies
• Aerospace, EV, robotics, semiconductor, or industrial tech environments
• Controller / Assistant Controller / Senior Finance Manager roles with ERP + cost accounting exposure

Interview Process

1. Hiring Manager Interview (technical + cultural fit)
2. Take-home technical case study (3–5 hours)
3. On-site panel interview (Scotts Valley office)
4. Final interview with executive leadership team