Head of Finance and Corporate Controller
Expected salary range: $150,000.00 to $225,000.00 USD
Location: This is a remote position based in the United States
Travel: This position will require up to 15% travel within the US and internationally
Company Overview
Liberation Labs is developing a global network of fit-for-purpose precision fermentation manufacturing facilities. We build the critical infrastructure needed to produce novel bioproducts at a scale and a cost structure that enables the precision fermentation market. Together with our customers and partners, we use our innovative thinking and passion for manufacturing to make everyday products more affordable and more accessible. We believe that precision fermentation can unlock solutions that have real and lasting impact on the future of sustainability.
Our first facility in Richmond, IN is currently under construction with anticipated start-up in late 2025.
Our Purpose: Unlock the promise of biotech by commercializing the foods, materials, and other bioproducts of the future – today.
Our Vision: Become the preferred creation partner for the biology revolution trusted to deliver and constantly advance the manufacturing processes of the industry.
Our Mission: Design, build and operate a purpose-built precision fermentation platform with global reach so that visionaries can be entirely focused on advancing the potential of biology.
What we offer:
Liberation Labs is committed to providing exciting career and growth opportunities in an environment that values trust, respect, openness, teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm, and diligence. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels they have an equal opportunity to reach their potential and is accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to Liberation Labs.
Liberation Labs provides competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, and more. Employees are compensated competitively, in alignment with relevant market comparisons, and participate in the company’s success through annual performance compensation incentives as well as the ESOP (employee share option program). We prioritize maintaining a positive work environment with a great culture.
Position Overview:
The Head of Finance and Corporate Controller (HoF-Controller) will act as a strategic partner to the CBO (Chief Business Officer) and CEO as well as the fractional CFO, in addition to serving as a senior member of the Company’s leadership team. The HoF-Controller will build a high performing finance and accounting organization with best-in-class processes to support the company’s growth while enhancing profitability and ensuring liquidity and financial stability. The HoF-Controller will deliver financial insights, budgets, forecasts and plans, and will support the evaluation of investments in various growth initiatives for the company as well as potential M&A transactions. The position reports to the CBO with accountability to the fractional CFO.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead and oversee financial stewardship, reporting, and compliance, including:
-Lead the budgeting, planning and forecasting processes and improve reporting capabilities.
-Own Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and related functions.
-Proactively suggest and implement cash management strategies to maximize Liberation Lab’s return while maintaining stability and liquidity.
-Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards.
-Establish, document, and communicate system-wide accounting and financial reporting policies; establish and monitor internal control policies and procedures.
-Lead tax planning and optimization.
-Establish and execute programs for the provision of capital required by the company, including negotiating the procurement of debt and equity capital and maintaining the required financial arrangements.
-Effectively lead the company’s Treasury strategy that is critical to the long-term success of the business – cash management, capital raising, and risk management.
-Provide accurate and timely information to facilitate management decisions and maximize profitable growth.
Strategically partner with the CBO, CEO, fractional CFO and leadership team to provide insight and counsel to drive corporate strategy and position the company for growth.
Participate in organizational strategic planning and risk management.
Partner with the CBO, CEO and fractional CFO to develop a 5-year financial and strategic roadmap, focusing on forecasts, organizational build-out, cost roadmap and execution requirements of potential new acquisitions/initiatives.
Work with the CBO, CEO and fractional CFO to evaluate potential revenue streams and develop the organizational plan to support the product lines.
Partner with the CBO, CEO and fractional CFO to maximize project focus and value to augment stakeholder returns.
Implement and leverage tools that track and support key business metrics and KPI’s.
Communicate across the organization agreed-upon financial information and KPIs to ensure transparency, inclusion and ownership by all team members.
Streamline the due diligence process, together with the assigned LT member, and facilitate faster decision making.
Collaborate with the CBO, CEO and fractional CFO in identifying key strategic partnerships that can be valuable for growth and valuation.
Communicate effectively to stakeholders at the Board meeting and ad hoc meetings/calls as required.
Completing other duties as required.
Job Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as: business, accounting, or finance.
A CPA or internationally recognized equivalent.
Executive level knowledge of the following is required:
-Organizational financial management and accounting.
-Financial compliance for private and public companies.
-Best practices for leadership, governance, and management.
10+ years of relevant work experience.
Previous experience leading the finance function for a manufacturing company is required.
Experience working in both private and public companies is preferred.
Previous experience leading and scaling a start-up is an asset.
Strong financial acumen is required, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, facility and corporate P&L management, transfer pricing, financial reporting and auditing.
Experience with M&A is preferred.
Experience with Project Finance is a plus.
Exceptionally strong strategic planning skills, negotiation skills, and leadership skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
The incumbent must reside in the USA.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization and externally with third party customers and partners.
Self-driven, collaborative, and results oriented.
Resilient, able to handle ambiguity, and enjoys the challenges and rewards of working for a start-up; prior experience in a start-up environment is an asset.
Energized at the idea of helping to create and build a positive work culture.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Liberation Labs is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, veteran status, and any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws.
A friendly note to recruiting firms
We have this role covered at the moment; no additional support is required. We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
