The Company
Sofar is on a mission to connect the world’s oceans. We design, build, and deploy the largest privately owned network of marine weather sensors to power the world’s best marine weather forecasts. Our data helps our customers to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, delivering tools to governments and other stakeholders to understand impacts of climate change on extreme weather and ocean health. We live on Planet Ocean, and our goal is to create the ocean intelligence needed to ensure a sustainable future.
The Role
The Controller will be responsible for all aspects of Sofar’s accounting, financial reporting, and treasury functions. This includes working closely with our external accounting team to close monthly financials, preparing internal financial reporting, managing audits and compliance requirements, overseeing bank accounts, and establishing financial practices and policies for a high-growth startup environment. The ideal candidate will be an experienced finance leader who can adapt to the evolving needs of a dynamic organization, working cross-functionally to drive financial strategy and operational excellence.
Impact You’ll Own:
- Accounting Operations & Process Management:
- Oversee all accounting functions, including AP, AR, and payroll, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
- Drive the establishment of scalable financial policies, processes, and systems to support the company’s growth trajectory.
- Manage company bank accounts and ensure appropriate cash flow management to support operational needs.
- Government Contracting:
- Lead compliance with government contracting standards (including FAR and CAS) as they pertain to accounting, cost allocations, and billing practices.
- Lead the budgeting process for Sofar’s bid and proposal teams, and work with legal and business development teams to support the negotiation of government contracts.
- Production & Inventory Management:
- Collaborate with production and R&D teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking, valuation, and cost of goods sold (COGS) reporting.
- Develop and maintain systems for tracking inventory costs, including direct materials, labor, and overhead, ensuring proper cost allocations to meet financial reporting and compliance standards.
- Provide guidance on inventory write-offs, obsolete inventory, and ensuring proper internal controls are in place.
- Financial Close & Reporting:
- Lead the monthly financial close process, ensuring that financial data is accurate and reported on time to internal stakeholders.
- Prepare financial reports for key internal stakeholders (executives, department leads) and external stakeholders (investors, board members).
- Provide regular insights into financial performance, key metrics, and areas for improvement.
- Audit & Compliance:
- Ensure timely filing of all tax compliance requirements, including federal, state, and local taxes.
- Supervise the annual external audit process and ensure compliance with regulatory and governmental contract requirements.
- Maintain strong internal controls to ensure the company’s financial operations adhere to legal and regulatory standards.
- Budgeting & Financial Planning:
- Work closely with department leads and the executive team to prepare, manage, and monitor annual operating budgets.
- Provide guidance on budget variances and recommend corrective actions as needed.
About You
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or equivalent certification preferred).
- 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role.
- Experience in government contracting, working with government cost-reimbursement contracts or grants.
- Expertise in accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar systems).
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling tools.
- Exceptional organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally and collaborate with senior leadership teams.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
- Ability to adapt to the evolving needs of a fast-paced, high-growth company.
Bonus Points
- Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment with a focus on inventory accounting and cost of goods sold (COGS) reporting.
- Experience working in a startup or high-growth environment
Estimated Salary Range
- $155,000 - $190,000
- The range listed is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and may be modified in the future. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, and equity package.
Sofar's Commitment to Climate Justice
We at Sofar Ocean acknowledge that careers in the marine sciences “... have traditionally been, and remain, non-diverse work environments”, thereby limiting the entry and prosperity of underrepresented groups in the space. (Johri et al., 2021) Many of these same groups are disproportionately affected by climate change, and are often excluded from decision making that directly address their interests and needs.
We are committed to addressing these climate injustices and highly encourage people who identify as women, LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) to apply
Employee Conduct
It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers, and vendors.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.
