Assistant Controller

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence and Transparency.As an assistant controller you will be responsible for supporting our building of a scaled, disciplined finance and accounting function from the ground up. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, operating in ambiguity, and helping build processes that can scale with the business. This role will work closely with the Controller and play a key role in maintaining accurate financial reporting, strengthening internal controls, and owning critical operational processes—including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and benefits administration, financial close, technical accounting, etc.Manufacturing experience is essential, as this role will interface closely with operations and support cost-driven, capital-intensive activities. ResponsibilitiesSupport the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparationAssist with maintaining the general ledger in accordance with U.S. GAAPPrepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedulesHelp implement and document accounting policies, procedures, and internal controlsSupport external audits, tax filings, and other compliance-related requestsAssist with ad hoc financial analysis and management reportingProcess and oversee accounts payable, including invoice review, coding, approval workflows, and timely vendor paymentsManage accounts receivable operations, including customer invoicing, cash application, collections monitoring, and reconciliation of AR balancesOversee end-to-end payroll processing in coordination with third-party payroll providersPartner with the People Operations team with administration of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and other fringe benefitsResponsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the businessQualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in accounting4+ years of progressive accounting experience; public accounting experience a plusPrior experience in a manufacturing environment is importantStrong understanding of U.S. GAAP and operational accountingHands-on experience with payroll processing and benefits administrationExperience working with accounting systemsAdvanced Excel skills; comfort working with large data sets and reconciliationsStrong attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environmentMust be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.Preferred QualificationsCPA or CPA-eligibleExperience in a high-growth, startup, or manufacturing environmentExposure to equity compensation, multi-state payroll, or benefits scalingExperience helping build or improve accounting processes and controlsDetail oriented and proactive