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Controller

Berkeley, California

Why you should join us:

At Sound Agriculture, we are revolutionizing the way the world grows food. Our innovative technology and solutions empower farmers to maximize nutrient efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and feed the world sustainably. Through a deeper understanding of plant and microbial biology, we are leveraging the natural power of plants to make agriculture more agile and resilient. If you’re passionate about cutting-edge science, making a real-world impact, and being part of a team that’s dedicated to transforming agriculture, we want you on our team! 

Sound is a Series D startup funded by leading investors in food and agriculture including Leaps by Bayer, Syngenta Group Ventures, S2G Ventures, BMO Impact Investment Fund, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Fall Line Capital, Cavallo Ventures, FootPrint Coalition and Northpond Ventures.

 

What we're seeking:

The Controller oversees Sound Agriculture’s accounting, financial reporting, and overall financial operations. Responsibilities include preparing and managing internal financial reports, handling audits and compliance obligations, supervising bank accounts, and enhancing financial policies and procedures to support a rapidly growing organization. 

The ideal candidate is a seasoned finance professional with the ability to adapt to the changing demands of a fast-paced environment, collaborating across departments to drive strategic financial planning and operational efficiency. We will not consider candidates without deep technical accounting knowledge and familiarity with Ramp and Netsuite. 

This position reports directly to the CFO and is a Director level position. The Controller will have one direct report and can work remotely in the United States or choose to work onsite in our Berkeley headquarters on a hybrid schedule. Expected travel is approximately 5%. 

 

Compensation Target

$159,000 to $181,000 base salary, bonus target 20%

Bonuses are earned based on annual company and individual performance and are prorated based on start date. 

Sound reserves the ability to adjust the compensation range based on the final candidate’s experience, skillset, and geography. In addition to on target earnings, we offer above average equity grants for the industry as we believe that every employee should have a stake in the company’s growth. If you’re above this compensation target, we encourage you to reach out and discuss the entire package and opportunity before deciding not to pursue this position. 

 

Responsibilities

  • Partner with the CFO to develop accounting and management reporting processes and procedures 
  • Lead internal accounting function, complete month end close-out, develop and maintain timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) along with robust supporting documentation 
  • Directly operate the Accounts Payable role utilizing the RAMP software to ensure timely submission of expenses & related reports, approval of purchases and issuing and tracking of Purchase Orders according to the company’s approval matrix
  • Develop and maintain robust financial controls for the organization 
  • Manage AR / Payroll, Credit & Collections, Banking relationships and partner with Operations to manage / enhance the Materials & Equipment flows, various U.S. Statutory tax requirements such as Income, Real & Personal Property, Franchise, Value-Added, State registrations and Sales & Use Taxes
  • In partnership with the CFO who will lead, develop and deploy Audit strategy for the company
  • Coordinate oversight and monthly reconciliation of inventory across multiple partners and Netsuite
  • Work in partnership with FP&A to support annual/quarterly/monthly forecasting and budgeting
  • Coordinate IT function with outsourced IT managed services partner
  • Coordinate HR systems support with People team
  • Communicate across functions, setting clear expectations both in what is required of those functions from a finance/accounting perspective as well as when relevant information will be provided, as requested

 

Targeted Skills & Experience 

  • Experience developing Controls & Accounting standards in growth-stage companies (preferably in Biotech, agriculture or real-world businesses)
  • Deep understanding of excellence in financial structure and processes
  • Experience supporting the scale up of new technologies or new commercial initiatives successes
  • 8+ years of experience in Finance/Accounting with CPA and experience in public accounting (Big 4) strongly preferred
  • Have direct, multi-year experience with Netsuite and RAMP from journaling to settings management to coordinating light development
  • Systems strength with experience in integration between Netsuite, Salesforce and other platforms
  • Ability to effectively operate in a growth company atmosphere, dealing well with fast learning/ reacting quickly / readjusting priorities as appropriate

 

This role demonstrates Sound’s core values by: 

  • Boldness: Contributing to strategic discussions through data-driven insights
  • Ownership: Ensuring integrity and quality of external reporting through data accuracy and consistency of our internal systems and appropriate controls 
  • Respect: Valuing input and collaboration across levels and teams to drive common understanding of processes and compliance
  • Creativity: Identifying opportunities to make processes more efficient, reduce friction with internal customers or more elegantly achieve other KPIs

 

 

What we offer:

  • Opportunity to work in an incredible team with a drive to build alternative solutions to age old practices that increase farmer ROI
  • Competitive total rewards package including base compensation, performance bonus structure or uncapped commission plan for sales positions, and above market equity 
  • Comprehensive health care plans including Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
    • Flex Spending Account (Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter Benefit)
    • Health Savings Account with monthly employer contribution (for employees on qualifying health plans)
  • 401(k) with 3% company match
  • Flexible vacation policy empowering employees to use time how they need, when they need 
  • Mental health and wellbeing benefits - including dedicated monthly meeting free Focus Days 
  • Paid parental leave 
  • Pet insurance 
  • Regular events and engagement activities (we actually like hanging out with each other!) 

 

Sound Agriculture does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies responding to job postings. We will not respond to unsolicited requests to submit candidates.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.

Sound participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Sound is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before Sound takes any action, including terminating your employment.

 

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