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 COGSEstablish 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 required7–12 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. GAAPComfortable 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 RoleFirst 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
