1.4. Controller

Phoenix Tailings

$150K — $200K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in a senior finance role at a startup, ideally as the first financial hire.
  • Experience in establishing financial systems from the ground up, including processes and reporting frameworks.
  • Strong grasp of GAAP accounting and cash flow management in a startup setting.
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguity; eager to build and improve in a dynamic environment.
  • Excellent communication skills to convert financial data into actionable strategies.
  • CPA or a robust accounting background is advantageous, though not mandatory.
  • Background in technology, manufacturing, or deep-tech sectors preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Build and implement comprehensive financial systems and internal controls for growth.
  • Oversee accurate financial reporting, delivering insights to leadership and investors.
  • Develop budgeting and forecasting models, ensuring alignment with business goals.
  • Manage all financial operations, including payroll, vendor payments, and cash flow.
  • Select and execute financial software solutions to improve operational efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and collaborate with external accountants.
  • Provide strategic financial insights to support company growth and investment decisions.
  • Identify and mitigate financial risks to secure long-term organizational success.

Benefits

  • 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
  • Opportunity to own stock options in a rapidly growing, venture-backed company.
  • Unlimited paid time off to promote work-life balance.
  • Learning and development programs to foster professional growth.
Full Job Description
Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a hands-on, strategic Controller to build and scale our financial operations from the ground up. You will design and implement the company's financial infrastructure, create scalable accounting processes, and provide key financial insights to leadership and investors. You'll own everything from day-to-day accounting to high-level strategic planning, ensuring our startup's financial systems can support rapid growth.

The ideal candidate has previously built financial systems at a startup, thrives in fast-paced, unstructured environments, and is excited to take ownership of finance operations from scratch. Experience in technology, manufacturing, or deep-tech industries is a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Build and implement all financial systems, accounting policies, and internal controls to support a high-growth startup.
  • Own financial reporting-ensure accurate, real-time financial insights for leadership and investors.
  • Develop and maintain scalable budgeting and forecasting models, aligning financial plans with business objectives.
  • Manage all financial operations, including payroll, treasury, vendor payments, cash flow management, and accounts receivable/payable.
  • Select and implement financial software (ERP, accounting tools, FP&A models) to streamline processes.
  • Ensure GAAP compliance, tax filings, and regulatory adherence while working with external accountants.
  • Act as a strategic partner to leadership, providing financial insights to guide company growth, fundraising, and capital allocation.
  • Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring the company is set up for long-term financial success.


Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in a senior financial role at a startup, preferably as a first finance hire.
  • Proven track record of building financial systems from scratch, including accounting processes and reporting frameworks.
  • Strong understanding of GAAP accounting, financial modeling, and startup cash flow management.
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity-excited to build, iterate, and optimize in a fast-moving startup.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate financial data into strategic recommendations.
  • CPA or strong accounting background preferred but not required.
  • Experience in technology, manufacturing, or deep-tech industries is a plus.


We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:

This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Pay Range: $150,000- $200,000 total cash compensation plus equity
  • Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee
  • Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
  • Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
  • Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.


At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.

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