Financial Controller

Synonym enables the commercialization and manufacture of bioproducts—accelerating the world’s transition to better, more sustainable materials and products. We believe that products created using biology will represent the next manufacturing revolution, transforming crucial elements of supply chains across multiple sectors and helping to catalyze a sustainable and decarbonized future.

Synonym works as the strategic biomanufacturing partner for companies building these next-generation bioproducts. We help companies chart their roadmaps toward commercialization and profitability by building custom techno-economic analyses (TEA) and lifecycle assessments (LCA). We match companies with contract manufacturers (CMOs) to help companies secure capacity and meet production needs. And we undertake large capital projects, working with companies to develop, finance, construct, and operate dedicated, modular fermentation facilities so they can produce at scale.

If you want to tackle global challenges that will help support a more sustainable future and be part of a team that will be an integral part of the emerging biomanufacturing ecosystem, we’d love to hear from you!

About This Job

Synonym is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead and elevate our finance operations. In this pivotal role, you will oversee all accounting activities, manage the financial closing process, and ensure the accuracy of financial statements in compliance with US GAAP. You will enhance internal controls, streamline processes, manage external tax relationships, and provide strategic insights into emerging accounting regulations. This role requires close collaboration with all departments to prepare and analyze essential financial data for management reporting and to support special projects as needed. The position demands hands-on involvement in both accounting and financial reporting, driving efficiency and accuracy across all financial operations.

You will report directly to our Director of Strategy and Corporate Development and will work closely with other key members of the Synonym team.

Outcomes and Mandate

• Lead the preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, overseeing the entire financial close process to ensure timely and accurate results.
• Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, fixed assets, development costs, equity-based compensation, token-based compensation, and payroll.
• Collaborate with teams to monitor project budgets, forecasts, and expenditures monthly.
• Establish and continuously improve accounting processes and internal controls, ensuring they are scalable and aligned with Synonym’s growth. This includes the development of key deliverables such as financial analyses, reconciliations, and management reporting.
• Oversee the financial management of large-scale projects, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Maintain capital projects budgets and keep projects within scope and budget, while adhering to all regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and contractual obligations.
• Continuously monitor industry trends and government regulations to keep the company at the forefront of capital-intensive business practices.

Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Prior experience working at a Big 4 firm (Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG) is required.
• CFA, CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in FP&A, financial consulting, or accounting.
• Experience in infrastructure, industrial real estate, or renewable energy development is preferred.
• Proven experience in managing projects within capital-intensive industries.

Other Details

• Synonym is a distributed organization, so this role may be remote.
• Candidate must be located and authorized to work in the United States

Our team aspires to hire great people and create an environment where we can be happy, feel challenged, and do our best work. It’s an exciting time to join Synonym and build that environment from the ground up!

Benefits Include

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Daily lunch allowance
• Beautiful office in SoHo (NYC)
• Competitive compensation packages, including equity

Synonym provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities.