Sr. Director, Controller

Solugen

Houston, TX 77027

Position

Sr. Director, Controller

About Solugen

Solugen is a groundbreaking technology company on a bold mission to decarbonize the physical world. At the heart of our innovation is the world’s first sustainable molecule factory—the Bioforge. This unique manufacturing platform uses a chemienzymatic process to convert plant-derived substances into essential materials that have historically been made from fossil fuels—all with minimal emissions and no hazardous waste. A highly scalable and localized alternative to conventional approaches, the Bioforge enables us to produce a range of high-performance, cost-competitive, and sustainable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Mission

Solugen’s mission is to decarbonize chemical manufacturing. In this position, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's accounting operations, including general ledger, financial reporting, tax, treasury, statutory reporting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, and the external audit process. You'll report to the VP of Operational Finance and work closely with executive management and operating leaders to drive the financial strategy that supports the company's growth.

Key Outcomes

● Provides leadership and strategic direction for the corporate accounting functions

● Oversees accurate reporting of the company’s financial statements to support management decision-making

● Ensures monthly close is finalized in a timely manner and all financial information is accurate and in compliance with GAAP

● Manages planning and execution of annual audit by external auditors. This includes making sure audit is completed on time and on budget

● Implements internal controls to efficiently manage all accounting/finance functions

● Acts as liaison with outside Tax professionals to ensure compliance with Federal, state and local tax filings

● Identifies and champions process improvement opportunities across the organization

● Assists CFO with special projects often confidential in nature

Key Competencies

Job Specific

● Oversee all accounting functions, including operational and cost accounting practices for government contracts, as well as inventory accounting, ensuring compliance with GAAP, FAR, DFARS, and other relevant regulations

● Coordinate and oversee audits with external auditors and government agencies such as DCAA, providing necessary documentation and addressing inquiries to ensure compliance and transparency

● Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures, including those specific to government contracting

● Manage the month-end and year-end closing processes, including reconciliation of contract-related accounts and preparation of financial statements

● Proficiency with ERP systems, including implementation and software upgrades, business process engineering, and project management

● Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate key data through presentations to senior management, the board, or external partners

● Experience with team management, including scaling and growth environment

● Compliance management on loan covenants and other corporate financial covenants

● Tax, cash management, treasury, banking, real estate, insurance

● Thrives in a fast-paced environment

Company Specific

● Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work

● Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture

● A passion for green chemistry and fighting climate change

● Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule

● Be comfortable working in multiple roles

● Emphasize safety above all else

● Respect for others

● Creative problem solving

● Willingness to learn and research new engineering/science concepts

Qualifications

● Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance

● Active CPA

● 15+ years of accounting experience

● Relevant Big 4 and public company experience, preferably directly involvement in government contracting and/or manufacturing industries

● Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year end close process in a setting requiring consolidations, multiple subsidiaries, including international

● Experience in developing internal controls and driving implementation of policies and procedures

● Experience managing and developing staff

● Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks while working under deadlines

● Excellent leadership, communication, and i