VP Controller | Rapid Growth Space Tech Scale-Up (Series B) | Bay Area

Harmonic Finance Inc ™ | Certified B Corp; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 325,000; Full time

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Job summary

Harmonic Finance Inc. in San Francisco is searching for a VP Controller to establish a comprehensive accounting function as they scale rapidly. The role will involve building a team from the ground up and ensuring robust compliance and cost accounting in a high-growth environment.

The ideal candidate should have experience in complex accounting within tech sectors, especially in manufacturing, and a strong commercial mindset. Offering a salary between $250,000 and $325,000 plus share options.

Qualifications

• Experience in establishing or running a complex accounting function in a Tech business.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and cost accounting.
• High level of commercial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Establish the accounting function from the ground up.
• Develop and implement a robust cost accounting framework.
• Build and manage the full month-end close process to IPO-ready standards.
• Oversee government accounting compliance, including adherence to federal standards.

Skills

Establishing accounting functions

Manufacturing and cost accounting

Commercial acumen

Education

CPA Qualification (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

VP Controller | Rapid Growth Space Tech (Series B) | Bay Area

The Client

Harmonic are proud to have been retained by a rapidly scaling VC‑backed Space Tech scale‑up at the forefront of next‑generation space technology. The business has raised $150m at Series B, backed by some of the top VC funds in the world, and is planning a significant Series C in the coming months as they scale from $400m revenue to over $1 Billion forecasted in 2027.

With a brand new state of the art manufacturing facility in the Bay Area they are dramatically reducing the time and cost associated with delivering missions in space and putting satellites into orbit. Customers include a number of major private companies alongside defense and government agencies that not only require hardware in space but also the operational expertise to manage the mission and deliver data. The unique business model delivers significant upfront revenue with a recurring revenue element leading them to achieve profitability in early 2027.

The company is led by an exceptionally high‑caliber founding and executive team, combining deep Space Tech, Hard Tech and manufacturing expertise with operators who have scaled some of the biggest success stories in the Deep Tech world over the last 20 years.

The Role

The business is entering a critical phase of growth as they build out the corporate and operational foundations alongside the rapidly developing technical programs. Following the recent hire of an exceptional CFO they are looking to hire a VP Controller that will own the build out of the entire Controllership function covering Accounting, Controls, Tax, Treasury, Cost Accounting and Government Accounting. Establishing a world class Controllership function implementing processes to an IPO read level the VP Controller will be key to shaping the business during a rapid growth phase.

This position really is a true blank slate as the business is set to scale incredibly quickly. The VP Controller will build a team from the ground up supporting manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Establish the accounting function from the ground up, designing scalable processes and controls suitable for a high‑growth, multi‑entity manufacturing business.
• Develop and implement a robust cost accounting framework to support complex manufacturing operations, product costing, and margin analysis.
• Partner with external advisors for tax, regulatory, and accounting guidance; ensure global compliance and efficient tax structuring.
• Build and manage the full month‑end close process to IPO‑ready standards, including internal controls, financial reporting, and audit preparation.
• Provide technical accounting oversight and implement new guidance as the company ramps up production and commercialization.
• Oversee Cost and Manufacturing Accounting.
• Oversee government accounting compliance, including adherence to federal contracting standards and audit requirements.
• Lead the selection and implementation of an ERP system, ensuring seamless integration across functions.
• Recruit, mentor, and scale a high‑performing accounting and finance team capable of supporting a complex international manufacturing footprint.

What We Need

• Experience establishing or running a complex accounting function in a Tech business (this can include AI, Deeptech, Manufacturing, Robotics, Defense, Biotech, Climate Tech, Green Energy, Semiconductor)
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and cost accounting.
• High level of commercial acumen.

What We’d Love to See (Non‑Essential)

• CPA Qualification.
• Experience dealing with government contracts.
• Experience in R&D heavy environments that have transitioned to large scale manufacturing.
• Experience in a high growth VC or PE backed environment.
• Built and established large Accounting teams.
• Established new ERP processes or led significant Finance transformation.

Salary

$250,000 to $325,000 + share options