Controller

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Controller at Bright Machines serves as the financial backbone of a fast-moving, multinational team spanning the US and Mexico. Reporting to senior finance leadership, you will own the accounting function end-to-end — bringing rigor, systems thinking, and a builder’s mindset to a company that is actively reshaping manufacturing. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in startup environments, can drive process from scratch, and believes AI is a core part of how modern finance teams operate.

This role is based at our San Francisco headquarters. We work in-office four days a week and believe that proximity drives the kind of collaboration and speed that defines how we operate.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

Own the full accounting cycle including GL, AP/AR, payroll, and month-end/year-end close across US and Mexico entities.
Lead the design and implementation of scalable accounting processes, internal controls, and financial systems appropriate for a growing manufacturing company.
Manage and develop a multinational team of six accounting professionals across the US and Mexico, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Champion the adoption of AI tools across the accounting function — identify automation opportunities, evaluate new solutions, and model AI-first workflows for your team.
Partner with FP&A and operations to ensure accurate cost accounting, inventory valuation, and manufacturing cost reporting aligned with contract manufacturing operations.
Lead financial systems implementations and integrations (ERP, expense management, consolidation tools), serving as the accounting SME on all system projects.
Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance across US and Mexican jurisdictions in partnership with external advisors.
Support Board reporting, investor due diligence, and fundraising processes by delivering accurate, audit-ready financial packages.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Background in manufacturing, contract manufacturing, or industrial technology — you understand cost of goods, inventory accounting, and operations-driven finance.
• Demonstrated experience implementing or significantly improving accounting systems and processes — you’ve built things, not just inherited them.
• Startup or high-growth company experience; you are comfortable operating without a full playbook and can build structure while the business is still moving.
• Active and enthusiastic user of AI tools in day-to-day work, with the ability to evaluate, deploy, and train others on AI-powered workflows in accounting.
• Experience managing multinational teams and navigating multi-entity consolidations; familiarity with Mexican accounting and tax compliance is a strong plus.
• CPA required; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Strong command of US GAAP; strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional and executive-level collaboration.
• Based in the San Francisco Bay Area or willing to relocate; this role requires working from our SF office four days per week.

IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU HAD

Experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP in a manufacturing environment.
Prior involvement in audit preparation or investor due diligence.
Background in public accounting (Big 4 or regional firm) prior to industry.