Controller

Atomic Semi; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Generous Paid Time Off

Visa Sponsorship

401(k) retirement plan

Weekly Learning & Development opportunities

Lunches daily and Dinners 3x per week

Job summary

Atomic Semi in San Francisco is seeking a Controller as its first dedicated accounting leader. This role will define the accounting function and build the financial foundations needed for growth.

Key responsibilities include managing all accounting operations, ensuring audit readiness, and developing scalable accounting policies. The position offers a competitive salary range of $180,000 to $210,000 and benefits such as medical insurance, paid parental leave, and 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing for external audits and managing auditor relationships.
• Deep expertise in inventory accounting, standard costing, WIP, COGS.
• Experience in a hardware or manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Own accounting operations including general ledger, accruals, and financial integrity.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Evaluate and implement accounting systems and tools.

Skills

CPA certification

Inventory accounting expertise

GAAP expertise

ERP implementation experience

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Mathematics or related discipline

Tools

ERP systems

AP/AR automation tools

Warehouse management tools

Job description

About Atomic Semi

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.

It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.

We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands‑on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.

Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.

We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e‑beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.

Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.

About the team

This role sits on the Business Operations team, which is responsible for building the operational foundation that lets Atomic Semi scale. We believe our internal systems should be as thoughtful and ambitious as the products we build. As we grow, we need accounting infrastructure that's clean, scalable, and audit‑ready.

About the role

As Atomic Semi’s first dedicated accounting leader, this Controller will own the accounting function and build the financial foundations we need for our next stage of growth. This is a critical role with real scope, and the processes, systems, and controls you put in place will define how this company operates for years to come.

You’ll own all accounting operations from end‑to‑end. This includes running a clean, disciplined close process; building out manufacturing and inventory accounting; establishing controls and approval workflows; and driving audit readiness.

You’ll partner closely with Finance, Operations, and the broader business to ensure our accounting infrastructure keeps pace with how the company is scaling and what comes next. This is an autonomous, high‑ownership role in a fast‑moving environment. The right person is comfortable with ambiguity, motivated to create structure where little exists, and confident running the function independently.

Responsibilities

• Own accounting operations for a complex hardware‑intensive environment, across general ledger, AP, payroll accounting, accruals, fixed assets, inventory, cost accounting, and financial statement integrity.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including timelines, reconciliations, review controls, and reporting packages.
• Build and maintain scalable accounting policies, processes, and controls that support accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Develop the accounting infrastructure needed for a hardware and manufacturing environment, including inventory accounting, WIP, COGS, costing methodology, reserves, physical inventory processes, R&D, and capex/fixed asset accounting.
• Evaluate, implement, and scale accounting systems and tools, including ERP, AP/AR automation, expense management, and close management systems.
• Own audit readiness and core accounting operations, including external audit coordination, treasury, tax filings, registrations, and related vendor management.
• Work cross‑functionally with Finance, Operations, Legal, and leadership to translate accounting requirements into practical business processes.
• Build and lead the accounting team over time, including hiring, developing, and managing future team members.

Required Experience

• CPA certification required; Big 4 or equivalent national firm experience strongly preferred.
• Experience leading or preparing for external audits, including managing auditor relationships, documentation, and support schedules.
• Background in hardware, manufacturing, capital equipment, or another inventory‑heavy environment.
• Deep expertise in inventory accounting, standard costing, WIP, COGS, reserves, R&D, and fixed asset accounting.
• Proven ability to build accounting processes, controls, and policies in a growing company.
• Hands‑on leading ERP implementations with strong cross‑functional modules, including MES, PLM, and inventory management tools.
• Strong GAAP expertise, including ASC 606, 303, 460, 842, 718, 730.
• Proactive and hands‑on: comfort operating in a fast‑moving, ambiguous environment.
• Strong cross‑functional communicator: you have the ability to translate accounting requirements for engineering, operations, leadership, and other non‑finance stakeholders alike.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.

Nice‑to‑have

• Semiconductor or deep‑tech industry experience.
• Experience as an early or foundational accounting hire at a startup.

Working at Atomic Semi

We’re an early‑stage hardware startup with solid funding, world‑class advisors, and a lab/office in San Francisco, CA.

Compensation

Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $180,000 – $210,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in Atomic Semi.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time
• Visa Sponsorship
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Weekly Learning & Development opportunities
• Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office
• Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.