Controller

Atlas is an information technology company, backed by ARCH Ventures and Deerfield Management, advancing breakthrough platform technology leveraging synthetic DNA. We seek a Controller who brings precision and strategic insight to architect the financial infrastructure of a company creating an entirely new category. The Controller will lead all aspects of accounting, financial operations, and reporting. This successful candidate will be responsible for building scalable systems, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring financial accuracy and compliance. As the company’s finance leader, you will partner closely with the Executive Team and divisional leadership to support strategic decisions and operational growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, revenue recognition, and month-end close.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial statements in compliance with GAAP, including technical matters such as revenue recognition, lease accounting, research and development expenditures and capitalization, and stock-based compensation.
• Develop and implement internal controls, accounting policies, and scalable processes.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning in collaboration with executive leadership.
• Lead annual audit and tax preparation with external auditors and advisors.
• Implement and manage accounting systems, tools, and infrastructure suitable for a growing startup.
• Support contract review, financial modeling, and cost analysis to inform business decisions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, R&D, and Sales/Business Development to track project costs and financial performance.
• Prepare board-level financial reporting packages and support investor communications as needed.
• Express company performance and trends through effective use of dashboards and KPIs to support executive decision making.
• Build and lead the accounting & finance function as the company grows.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accounting Manager role.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience managing audits.
• Prior experience in a high-growth startup in technology, biotech, or hardware/manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to design and implement accounting processes and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, cash flow, and forward-looking financial modeling.
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical skills, and financial acumen.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., NetSuite or similar) and Excel/Google Sheets.
• Possess ability to ‘see around corners’ to plan for what’s next and provide leadership in building the accounting & finance function
• Operate both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA certification.
• Big 4 or related audit experience.
• Experience with cost accounting, sales accounting, inventory management, or manufacturing accounting.
• Experience leading Single Audits and supporting federal grant compliance or government contracting a plus
• Familiarity with SaaS or hybrid revenue models.

In office located South San Francisco, CA; relocation considered

ABOUT ATLAS: The future of data is molecular. Atlas is transcending the limits of silicon by leveraging synthetic DNA for ultra-dense, low-powered storage, building the foundation for the next era of global IT scale. Originally spun out of Twist Bioscience, we are a well-funded, high-growth startup at the intersection of Information Technology and Synthetic Biology tackling some of the most complex infrastructure challenges in the world.

Our team is an elite fusion of scientists, engineers, and operators with a track record of building breakthrough companies and a shared commitment to doing it again. By combining the DNA synthesis heritage of our origins with a bold vision for the future of data, we are redefining the physical limits of data technology.

While our mission is grounded in deep science, our success depends on a world-class team across every department. We are seeking a Controller who is ready to bring their expertise to a mission-driven environment and help us scale a brand-new category of technology.