Chief Accounting Officer

Are you a Chief Accounting Officer looking to build a global, IPO-ready controllership function at a scaling AI hardware start-up?

Currently operating in stealth and incubated by a leading VC with a proven track record of launching some of the most transformative AI businesses in recent years, the company is preparing to announce a landmark $1bn+ Series A alongside multiple top-tier investors. Founded by award-winning scientists and AI industry leaders, they offer a genuinely values-led culture and the opportunity to help build breakthrough technologies with the potential to reshape entire industries.

Remote with some travel to San Francisco Bay Area

Harmonic are proud to have been retained by a rapidly growing VC backed AI hardware start-up revolutionizing humankind’s understanding of the physical sciences. With the ability to take massive leaps forward in our interpretation of the laws which underpin physics, the business has applications impacting space exploration, climate and green energy, advanced computing, robotics, defense and global food supply chain. In the coming months they are preparing to begin large scale, complex manufacturing in more than one heavy industrial vertical.

The Chief Accounting Officer will own the build out of entire Controllership function covering Accounting, Controls, Tax, Treasury, Cost Accounting and Government Accounting. Establishing a world class Controllership function implementing international processes to an IPO read level the Chief Accounting Officer will be key to shaping the business during a rapid growth phase.

Additionally, the position reports directly to a visionary CEO with an incredible reputation in the Bay Area. You will have significant impact shaping and defining the strategic direction of the business working closely with the wider Executive team and a Board.

This position really is a true blank slate as the business is set to scale from under 25 to close 250 heads in 12 months and accelerating quickly to 1000.

Responsibilities:

• Establish the global accounting function from the ground up, designing scalable processes and controls suitable for a high-growth, multi-entity manufacturing business.
• Develop and implement a robust cost accounting framework to support complex manufacturing operations, product costing, and margin analysis.
• Lead the setup and integration of international entities, managing cross-border accounting, statutory reporting, and consolidation under US GAAP.
• Partner with external advisors for country-specific tax, regulatory, and accounting guidance; ensure global compliance and efficient tax structuring.
• Build and manage the full month-end close process to IPO-ready standards, including internal controls, financial reporting, and audit preparation.
• Provide technical accounting oversight and implement new guidance as the company evolves through R&D, production, and commercialization stages.
• Oversee government accounting compliance, including adherence to federal contracting standards and audit requirements.
• Lead the selection and implementation of a global ERP system, ensuring seamless integration across functions and geographies.
• Recruit, mentor, and scale a high-performing accounting and finance team capable of supporting a complex international manufacturing footprint.

What We Need:

• Experience establishing or running a complex international accounting function in a Tech business (this can include AI, Deeptech, Manufacturing, Robotics, Defense, Biotech, Climate Tech and Green Energy, SaaS, Fintech)
• Deep understanding of cost accounting
• Significant international Controllership experience
• Excellent communication skills
• High level of commercial acumen

What We’d Love to See (Non-Essential):

• Experience dealing with government contracts
• Experience in R&D heavy environments that have transitioned to large scale manufacturing
• Experience in a high growth VC or PE backed environment
• Built and established large international Accounting teams
• Established new ERP processes or led significant Finance transformation

Salary: $350,000 to $450,000 + bonus + share options

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Remote with some travel to San Francisco Bay Area

Please feel free to circulate with any friends or contacts that may be interested.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

We'd love to hear from you

Whether you're looking to partner with us on a role you're trying to fill, or you're looking for a new role for yourself, drop us a call or email today.

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