What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Controller position at Vulcan Elements?
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.
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Responsibilities
- Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation
- Assist with maintaining the general ledger in accordance with U.S. GAAP
- Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules
- Help implement and document accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Support external audits, tax filings, and other compliance-related requests
- Assist with ad hoc financial analysis and management reporting
- Process and oversee accounts payable, including invoice review, coding, approval workflows, and timely vendor payments
- Manage accounts receivable operations, including customer invoicing, cash application, collections monitoring, and reconciliation of AR balances
- Oversee end-to-end payroll processing in coordination with third-party payroll providers
- Partner with the People Operations team with administration of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and other fringe benefits
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in accounting
- 4 years of progressive accounting experience; public accounting experience a plus
- Prior experience in a manufacturing environment is important
- Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and operational accounting
- Hands-on experience with payroll processing and benefits administration
- Experience working with accounting systems
- Advanced Excel skills; comfort working with large data sets and reconciliations
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA or CPA-eligible
- Experience in a high-growth, startup, or manufacturing environment
- Exposure to equity compensation, multi-state payroll, or benefits scaling
- Experience helping build or improve accounting processes and controls
- Detail oriented and proactive