Controller

About Hark

Hark is an artificial intelligence company building advanced, personalized intelligence. One that is proactive, multimodal, and capable of interacting with the world through speech, text, vision, and persistent memory.

We're pairing that intelligence with next-generation hardware to create a universal interface between humans and machines. While today's AI largely operates through chat boxes and decade-old devices, Hark is focused on what comes next: agentic systems that interact naturally with people and the real world.

To get there, we're developing multimodal models and next-generation AI hardware together - designed from the ground up as a single, unified interface for a new era of intelligent systems.

About the Role

Hark is seeking an experienced Controller to play a crucial role in building and scaling the accounting function from the ground up. This person will be responsible for owning the full accounting operation — close, compliance, technical accounting, tax, and international expansion — and building the systems, team, and processes that will carry Hark through significant scale.

As Hark expands its hardware and software business internationally, this role will be at the center of that effort: standing up accounting and tax operations in new jurisdictions, navigating the complexity of multi-country compliance, and ensuring the company’s financial infrastructure keeps pace with its global ambitions.

This is a high-impact, hands-on opportunity for an individual who excels at scaling systems efficiently and thrives in an environment where they are the one authoring the playbook rather than following one.

Responsibilities

Own the full accounting close process — monthly, quarterly, and annual — and drive it toward a tight, reliable cadence

Build and maintain a scalable chart of accounts, internal controls, and accounting policies appropriate for a hardware + software company

Lead technical accounting on complex areas: revenue recognition (ASC 606), inventory valuation, capitalized costs, equity compensation (ASC 718), and lease accounting (ASC 842)

Manage relationships with external auditors and own the annual audit process

Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and expense management

Lead international accounting and tax operations as Hark expands into new markets — including entity setup, local statutory reporting, VAT/GST registration and compliance, transfer pricing policy and documentation, and cross-border payroll tax

Manage tax compliance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions, coordinating with outside advisors on domestic and international filings

Build and lead the accounting team as the organization continues to scale

Evaluate and implement the ERP and financial systems infrastructure needed to support scale

Requirements

8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including time in a Controller or Assistant Controller role

Experience at a hardware or hardware-adjacent company — you understand inventory accounting, COGS structure, contract manufacturing, and the operational complexity that comes with physical products

Demonstrated experience supporting international expansion: standing up accounting and tax operations in new countries, managing multi-jurisdiction compliance, and coordinating with regional advisors

Strong technical accounting chops; you can work through a complex accounting question independently and document your conclusions clearly

Experience managing an audit with a Big 4 or national firm

Comfortable building in ambiguity — you’ve set up processes from scratch, not just inherited them

Hands-on by default; you’re not waiting for a team to do the work

Clear communicator who can translate accounting complexity for non-finance stakeholders

Bonus Qualifications

Familiarity with NetSuite or similar ERP implementation

Experience with indirect tax (VAT/GST) across multiple international jurisdictions

Compensation

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $200,000 – $350,000 annually.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.