Financial Controller

This role is primarily based at our headquarters in the Innovation Depot in downtown Birmingham. Depending on the position, work may involve hands‑on time in our hydroponic R&D lab, participation in farmers market events, or collaboration across digital and physical systems. As a startup, our environment is fast‑paced, evolving, and highly collaborative. Team members should be comfortable with shifting priorities, physical activity (standing, lifting, bending, etc.),

and working with tools, technology, or plant systems in various stages of development. We value flexibility, problem‑solving, and a willingness to grow with the work.

• Provide timely and comprehensive financial updates to the C‑Suite
• Develop and maintain internal financial controls, safeguards, and cash flow systems
• Manage AP, AR, payroll, purchasing, and project‑based cost accounting
• Close the books monthly in Quick Books Online
• Ensure compliance with local and national tax laws and reporting standards
• Establish and monitor benchmarks, budgets, and reporting cadence (biweekly/monthly/annual)
• Offer strategic insights to guide company growth and fundraising efforts
• Contribute to operational and long‑term planning across departments

We’re seeking an experienced Controller/Sr. Accountant to support the company's growth. The ideal candidate will have experience as an accountant in our industry, preferably in a senior role. As a strong communicator and skilled financial professional, this person will streamline our budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting processes. The controller will also produce thorough financial reports for the C‑Suite and help improve our operational efficiency and aid in our continued growth.

Objectives of this role

• Provide comprehensive financial updates to senior managers by evaluating, analyzing, and reporting appropriate data points
• Guide financial decisions by applying company policies and procedures to
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial controls and guidelines
• Achieve budgeting goals with proper scheduling, analysis, and corrective actions
• Help develop and support short‑ and long‑term operational strategies

Responsibilities

• Maintain internal safeguards for revenue receipts, costs, and team and organizational budgets and actual expenditures
• Establish (in coordination with CFO) financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, project monitoring, and reporting standards on biweekly, monthly, and annual basis
• Closing of the books on a monthly basis in Quickbooks
• Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs, adhering to national and local legal standards while remaining knowledgeable of proposed legislation
• Develop and enforce internal controls to maximize protection of company assets, policies, procedures, and workflows
• Provide dynamic leadership for a small, growing team that creates an environment of trust and productivity

Required skills and qualifications

• 15 or more years of professional accounting experience
• Strong understanding of banking processes and financial data analysis
• Highly experienced at Quickbooks online (QBO)
• Working knowledge of national and local tax regulations and compliance reporting
• Experience in managing:
• - Payroll
• - A/P
• - A/R
• - Purchasing
• - Cash flow
• - Project cost accounting (not‑Department of Defense accounting)
• Exemplary history of financial project management
• Commercial industry experience…with a preferred background in construction, agriculture, farming or related fields.
• Familiarity in supporting venture capital fund raising is a plus.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in accounting, or related field
• 15 total years of experience. Five or more years of experience as a senior‑level accounting, finance manager, or controller
• Professional certification, such as CPA (certified public accountant) is a plus, but not mandatory.

Office

Location:

• Currently, the Innovation Depot in downtown Birmingham, AL
• Possible future office in the Hoover AL area.

Compensation, Benefits and Hours

• 20-30 hours per week with a potential move to full time later in 2025
• Salary range: $70,000 to $80,000/year if full time (prorated if part time) dependent on experience
• Stock options
• BCBS insurance (95% paid by company)
• 3 weeks annual vacation if full time.
• Standard national holidays (11 total)
• A terrific work environment with colleagues that are working to improve Alabama’s agricultural efficiency, food safety, and food security.

Reporting to: The Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

We’re seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join our mission‑driven team. This role is ideal for a skilled financial leader with deep accounting knowledge and a passion for operational excellence. You'll play a key role in stabilizing and scaling our financial systems as we grow our footprint in agricultural innovation.