Controller

The Opportunity

Are you ready to be the architect of a brand-new financial operation? We're seeking a dynamic Controller to lead the creation of our California-based accounting department as we embark on an exciting organizational transformation. This isn't just another accounting role—it's your chance to build systems, shape processes, and establish the financial foundation for meaningful impact.

Location : Berkeley, CA (Hybrid : Tuesday / Thursday in office)

Reports to : Head of Finance and Compliance

Type : Full-time, Exempt

Why This Role is Different

You'll Be a Founding Leader : Step into a unique opportunity to establish accounting operations from scratch as we decentralize from our global organization. Your fingerprints will be on every system, process, and procedure.

Strategic Impact : Work directly with senior leadership to shape financial strategy, not just execute tasks. Your insights will drive organizational decisions and growth.

Professional Growth : Lead system implementations, manage audits, and build teams—all while advancing a mission that matters.

Innovation Freedom : Evaluate, recommend, and implement the accounting technologies and processes that will serve our organization for years to come.

What You'll Accomplish

Financial Leadership & Innovation

• Design and oversee comprehensive accounting operations including GL, AP / AR, payroll, and specialized grants management
• Create compelling financial narratives through monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting that tells our impact story
• Build robust internal controls and compliance frameworks that protect and empower our mission

Systems Architecture

Strategic Partnership

Team Building & Leadership

What You Bring

Essential Experience

Preferred Qualifications

Why You'll Love Working Here

Mission-Driven Impact : Every number you crunch, every system you build, every process you create directly supports work that makes a real difference in the world.

Professional Autonomy : Lead major initiatives, make strategic recommendations, and see your ideas implemented at the highest levels.

Growth Trajectory : This role offers natural progression opportunities as our California operations expand and mature.

Collaborative Culture : Work with passionate professionals who value innovation, excellence, and meaningful work.

Work-Life Integration : Flexible hybrid schedule with only two required office days per week.

Ready to Build the Future?

If you're an ambitious Controller who thrives on creating something from scratch, loves solving complex challenges, and wants your work to have lasting impact, we want to hear from you.

This is more than a job—it's your opportunity to be a founding member of something special. Join us in building an accounting operation that will serve as the financial backbone for transformative work ahead.

Application Process : Submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you're excited about this ground-up building opportunity.

Salary Range between 120k to 140k

Updates : Key Challenge

Complex financial separation : The organization is innovating its finance operations with the state of California, requiring rapid adaptation to manage the transition from being part of a global organization to becoming a standalone local entity.

Leadership & Culture Requirements

Interim Support Structure

Primary Operational Focus

Detangling California operations from global finances , including :

Team Composition (13 California employees)

Note : Previous hires have struggled to effectively leverage this existing team structure.

Required Skills & Competencies

Reporting Structure

Work Schedule

90-Day Integration Timeline

First 30 Days : Learning & Relationship Building

60 Days : Guided Implementation

90 Days : Leadership & Decision-Making

Critical Success Factors

Compensation : $140,000 per year