Finance Controller

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. 

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. 

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. 

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has an office in Washington, D.C.  

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

As the Finance Controller, you will be responsible for managing Varda’s finance systems, processes, and controls.  You will manage a highly skilled team of folks with expertise in finance, accounting, and software applications.  You will be responsible, either directly or through your team, for all cash management, investments, insurance, financial reporting, and financial projections.  You will also be asked to provide all products of a comprehensive financial strategy for the company with the help of the engineering teams, sales team, and the vehicle production organization, and present these products to investors with the expectation of multiple successful rounds of late-stage venture financing for years to come.

This is a full-time, exempt position located in our El Segundo headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Understands all areas of discrete Manufacturing Accounting, including Revenue/COGS recognition against unique contracts
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including tax filings.
• Has a deep understanding of allocation methodologies, including its calculation and application
• Manage the organization's cash flow, including monitoring accounts and managing banking relationships.
• Participate in the accounting close process to ensure timely and accurate reporting of all monthly accounting financial information
• Develop and implement internal controls and accounting procedures to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud or financial mismanagement.
• Analyze and interpret financial data for use in reviews and decisions
• Establish and develop automated process for banking and payment transactions including bank reconciliation
• Implement best practices and controls across all treasury and accounting functions
• Prepare schedules and supporting documentation related to external audit requirements, and interact with external auditors as required
• Assist in the development and management of the annual budget, ensuring financial objectives are met.
• Ensure reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in financial management or accounting, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance regulations.
• Experience with accounting software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Familiarity with aerospace or manufacturing industry financial operations is a plus.
• Exceptional analytical skills with a keen eye for detail and problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial regulations, and accounting practices.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 5+ years in the finance industry with demonstrated leadership experience 
• CPA license (or equivalent)
• Big 4 accounting firm, private equity, and/or late-stage venture experience
• Experience with MS Dynamics 365 or other ERP accounting systems
• Demonstrated experience in a fast-paced start-up  environment
• Experience in fundraising and financial structuring within the startup environment
• Demonstrated strengths in organizational, attention-to-detail, follow-through, reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Experience analyzing pharma API and/or DoD contract asset classes

Pay Range

• Finance Controller: $120,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year
• This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
• You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
• Offer compensation also includes the ability to purchase company stock through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.  Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. 

  “US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)

   Learn more about the ITAR here.  

Benefits