Controller

We are looking for an individual who will shoulder the finance/accounting function for Trace, has the aptitude and drive to grow into a VP Finance / CFO type role, and is hungry to do and learn. Tech mindset is beneficial. More of a Jr. profile than Sr. Role can be Hybrid in Ames as well as remote.

Job Purpose

Hands on ownership and guiding of the Company’s financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies and procedures. Protects assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls. Monitors and confirms financial condition by managing the conduct of the annual independent audit.  Supports the CEO / President in modeling and reporting financials for the company.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee compilation, preparation and review of company financial statements; oversee accounting operations.

• Improve internal financial and functional reporting and create automated reports that show key performance indicators (KPI) for the Company and functions.

• Manage daily cash and banking requirements and project cash position.

• Act as primary banking administrator for all bank relationships, including credit cards.

• Oversee the expense reporting and control process, including corporate credit card programs (TripActions/Brex/SVB).

• Review contracts, identify revenue recognition issues, and ensure compliance with revenue standards and company policies.

• Provide advice to the CEO /President and the Senior Leadership team on finance and accounting matters.

• Act as administrator for various accounting systems: Quickbooks, Bill.com, Carta, TripActions, etc.

• Support the Logistics Lead and Purchasing function to reduce costs and maximize value. 

• Oversee external audit activities and provide necessary information during review of financial statements and tax return completion.

• Participate as a member of cross functional teams, focused on cost reductions and other improvement initiatives.

• Participate in developing models and presentations, participating in due diligence and integrating acquisitions as applicable.

• Oversee outside Payroll (ADP) and outsourced accounting team (Rimerman CPAs)

• Collaborate with the HR Manager.

• Collaborate with and support the Director of Lab Operations.

• Communicate with all levels of management regarding fiscal policies and provide direction in the implementation of these policies.

• Ensure State and Local Tax compliance such as the quarterly sales tax returns, payroll tax returns, new state registrations, etc. are prepared by outsourced accounting team and provide final review and approvals

• Implement processes to improve team efficiency.

• Develop and implement departmental goals and organizational structure.

• Develop strong working relationships with peers and others.

• Develop strong working relationships with the bank and other outside service providers.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Business/Finance/Accounting.

• Minimum 5 years in finance/accounting.

• Strong understanding and experience with revenue recognition in a SAS environment

• Strong, self-reliant demeanor with superior planning, budgeting, organizational, problem solving and analytical skills.

• Excellent leadership skills to motivate others, build trust, and create a collaborative team.

• Solid understanding of GAAP.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain collaborative work relationships at all levels within the Company and with external business partners.

• Ability to identify, delegate and supervise critical path tasks and ensure completion under aggressive timelines.

• Strong initiative and desire to work in a team-oriented environment.

• Must be a self-starter with excellent time and project management skills, as well as follow-through skills.

• Expertise in Quickbooks, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to prioritize and multitask.

• Strength in researching, understanding and succinctly explaining complex transactions and business impact.

• Ability to assemble data and inputs and organize for strategic decision making.

• High degree of integrity to handle confidential information.

Key Personal Attributes Include

Committed to our core values: Customer-Driven, Scientific Integrity, Creative Problem Solving, Diversity & Inclusion, and Fearless Determination