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