Controller
About Activate Global
Activate empowers scientists and engineers to reinvent our world by bringing their research to market. We partner with leading funders and research institutions to offer the Activate Fellowship, providing the funding, community, mentorship, network, and time that scientists need to become entrepreneurs.
The results are game changing: Activate Fellows have launched 196 new companies since 2015. These companies have raised $3.5B in follow-on funding, created more than 2,800 U.S.-based jobs, and defined several new market categories. Activate supports fellows in Berkeley, CA; Cambridge, MA; New York, NY; Houston, TX; and across the U.S. through Activate Anywhere.
Activate exists to create a better future for all. In service of this purpose, we center equity and inclusivity in all aspects of our work.
Position Summary
Reporting to the CFO, the Controller oversees and manages Activate’s day-to-day financial operations ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial information and reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The position directs all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, payroll, bank reconciliations, audit, insurance and tax reports, and fixed assets. The Controller will also manage day-to-day cash management tasks such as wire transfers, and credit card administration.
To support the success of the Controller, the Controller will supervise 2-3 direct reports including the Accounting Team (currently outsourced), and the Grants Manager.
Primary Responsibilities
- Leadership -
- Provides leadership to accounting personnel through effective objective setting, delegation, and communication. Conducts meetings to ensure that personnel are well informed of changes in programs, policies, and procedures
- Leads technology selection processes, implementation, and management of accounting software
- Financial Statements and External Reporting - Coordinates the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and reports
- Compliance - Ensures compliance with local, state and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings and ensures all returns are filed timely and accurately. Formulates, recommends and implements sound fiscal policies, procedures and internal controls
- Audit and Tax - Facilitates the annual financial audit and single audit, any relevant funder audits, and the preparation of Form 990
- General Ledger -
- Oversees all financial transactional activity, including accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll and ensures that all financial transactions and journal entries are recorded both timely and accurately in accordance with organization policies, GAAP and governmental regulations
- Researches treatment of accounting transactions to be in accordance with GAAP and government regulations
- Reviews key monthly account analyses; i.e. fixed assets, bank reconciliations, G/L to subsidiary ledger reconciliation
- Maintains structure and ensures maximization of accounting software.
Other
- Assists Senior Management with analysis and participates in quarterly Audit and Budget committee meetings with the Board
- Communicates fiscal policies and procedures to employees.
- Leads and participates in special projects that further the goals of the Accounting and Finance Department.
- Stays abreast of trends and changes in the accounting field.
- Brings commitment and integrity to accomplishing Activate’s mission and goals, performing other duties as assigned
Ideal Candidate
- Bachelors degree in accounting required, CPA preferred
- 10+ years of progressive financial accounting experience, including 5+ years of supervisory experience
- Has managed an accounting team, with proven ability to develop and mentor staff during organizational development and transitions
- Experience managing financial audits and single audits
- Experience working with more than one accounting system (e.g., Quickbooks Online, Sage Intacct, Oracle Netsuite)
- Experience with technology implementations to improve financial management systems and accounting processes
- Has worked with one or more credit card, expense management, and/or trip management systems such as Divvy, Expensify, Concur, etc..
- Facilitates changes by encouraging others to seek opportunities for new approaches to addressing problems and opportunities
- Ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented organization
- Leader who ensures a productive working environment and confidently coaches and motivates employees to meet organizational goals
- Knowledge and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- Strong analytical skills and ability to problem solve
- Stays abreast of trends and changes in the accounting field
- Feels like the world’s scientific and entrepreneurial talent should be focused on more serious pursuits than dog-walking apps
About the Role:
This is a full-time position with a competitive salary range of $130,000-150,000 with a generous benefits package that includes professional development, $2,000 in annual wellness funds, unlimited paid time off, healthcare premiums covered for employees and dependents at 90%, and the opportunity to join a retirement plan with a 3% match beginning after 3 months at Activate.
This position will be remote with an option to work from any of our in-person communities in Cambridge, MA; New York, NY; Houston, TX; Berkeley, CA.
Encouraging Applications from All Backgrounds
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Activate Global, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.