Senior Manager, Accounting and Finance - Believer Meats

Believer Meats is an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food industry through the development and commercialization of cultivated meat products. Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology, we aim to provide sustainable, ethical, and high-quality meat alternatives to consumers worldwide. As we near the completion of a new plant and prepare for commercialization, we are seeking an Senior Manager, Accounting & Finance to join our team. 

Reporting to the EVP of Finance, Procurement & Sustainability, the Senior Manager, Accounting & Finance will be a key member of the global finance team maintaining the general ledger, completing financial reports, managing payroll, and overseeing AP/AR. This role requires a strong background in the CPG production or biotech production industries and an expert knowledge of cost accounting. The successful Senior Manager, Accounting & Finance will have strong financial skills to help develop processes to scale with rapid company growth. 

General ledger management

o  Manage GL, ensuring all transactions are recorded accurately and in compliance with GAAP.

o  Reconcile all accounts regularly and investigate any discrepancies.

o  Maintain and improve internal controls and accounting policies.

Financial reporting

o  Prepare financial statements, including income statement, balance sheet, statement of cashflows.

o  Prepare internal financial management reports.

o  Manage period close process (month, quarter, year)

o  Support VP of Finance in preparing financial reports for investors, board of directors, senior leadership

Cost accounting and inventory management

o  Work with operations team to track production costs and monitor inventory levels.

o  Implement and maintain cost accounting processes.

o  Analyze cost variances and work with operations and finance team to address cost controls.

Internal Controls, Tax Compliance, and Regulatory Reporting:

o  Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls.

o  Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax regulations, including sales tax, payroll tax, and income tax filings.

o  Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors to manage audits and tax filings.

Accounts Payable/Receivable:

o  Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, and collections.

o  Develop and implement policies to manage credit risk and optimize working capital.

Payroll Management:

o  Oversee payroll processing, ensuring compliance with regulations.

o  Work with HR to manage employee benefits and compensation accounting.

Financial Systems and Process Improvement:

o  Evaluate and implement accounting software and financial systems to streamline processes and improve accuracy.

o  Continuously identify opportunities to improve financial processes and systems, ensuring scalability as the company grows.

Team Leadership and Development:

o  Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff, providing guidance and support in their professional development.

o  Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Believer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment.

We also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about accommodation during the application process or employment, please contact HR.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will have 6 + years of experience in the accounting field with demonstrated leadership/ management skills. Experience in the bioprocessing, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or CPG industries is a must.

·       Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA or CMA certification is strongly preferred.

·       Experience in a startup environment and the ability to adapt to rapid growth and change.

·       Strong understanding of cost accounting principles, particularly in a manufacturing or bioprocessing context.

·       Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.

·       Proficiency in Oracle NetSuite and advanced Excel skills.

·       Ability to pass pre-employment background screening.

·       Authorized to work in the US (Believer Meats is an E-Verify participant)

·       The role requires occasional travel within the US.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

With or without reasonable accommodation

This role works in a standard office-type environment with some remote work and travel. Candidates must be based in the Chicago, Illinois area.