Assistant Controller

About us

At the forefront of farming and food, UPSIDE Foods is innovating new ways to produce real meat, without the need to breed, feed and slaughter animals. Our process begins with an animal cell, which is cultivated and harvested as meat. The founding company of the industry, UPSIDE Foods is a mission-driven organization focused on bringing to meat lovers an authentic product that is truly humane, sustainably produced, nutritious and delicious! We are now expanding our team of dedicated professionals across disciplines to make better meat for a better world.

About this job

UPSIDE has grown fast over the last two years, and the momentum continues! The Assistant Controller will lead and grow an accounting team. He/She will oversee and develop our accounting transactions, policies, and month-end close reporting. The Assistant Controller will develop meaningful relationships with other department leaders and work closely with the Controller to grow the accounting function and implement best-in-class systems. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and strategic thinking. They will thrive in a fast-paced, groundbreaking environment. They will help set the foundation for the future of the function.

Responsibilities include… 

• Play a key role in supporting and evolving the underlying integrated financial statements, systems and tools
• Oversee transaction accounting, payroll processing, the close process, and other financial controls; assure accuracy, timeliness, and conformity with professional accounting standards and best practices in accordance with GAAP requirements
• Prepare/review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for management and bank reporting leveraging/building/maintaining reports within our Business Central and Coupa ERP systems
• Lead, develop and mentor a rapidly evolving accounting team, including individuals responsible for GL accounting, treasury, accounts payable, cost accounting, payroll administration, revenue, and others
• Maintain and develop internal control structure, including development and revision of accounting policies and procedures
• Manage our annual audit and support the auditors by providing requested schedules, researching items as needed, and summarizing findings for the Controller and other members of management

About you…

• CPA and a bachelor's degree with major coursework in business administration, finance, or accounting
• 10+ years of Finance/Accounting experience including a combination of public accounting, preferably Big 4, as well as industry accounting experience
• 4+ years experience leading teams and providing mentoring, coaching, and development to create high-performing teams
• Extensive experience in the general ledger, monthly close process and financial reporting, and in-depth knowledge of US GAAP
• Strong technical accounting experience, including writing accounting memos and negotiating complex accounting issues with external auditors
• Strong understanding of cost accounting preferably in the food manufacturing environment
• Ability to proactively identify accounting issues and initiative to solve challenges
• Microsoft Business Central or other large or mid-size ERP experience preferred

Who you’ll work with…

• This role will partner with every function in the company! It’s a rare opportunity to learn about all parts of the business and industry.

Key Contributions in First Year…

• Full ownership of accounts payable team and transactions
• Full ownership of the general ledger and month-end close reporting
• Full ownership of 2022 financial statement audit
• ERP system and Coupa standard operating procedures and internal controls adapted to our needs/requirements

UPSIDE Benefits!

• Stock options for all full-time incoming team members!
• 90-100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for team members (medical [including HSA and FSA], dental, and vision)
• Pet insurance for your furry family members!
• Unlimited PTO 
• DE&I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Council and People Engagement Programs
• Company-sponsored learning & development opportunities

UPSIDE Foods is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Our company-wide mission is to create a product for everyone, so we are deeply committed to having teams and leaders that reflect this mission.