Business Controller (Finance and Operations)
Saga Robotics, Inc.
Location: Paso Robles, California (on-site)
Compensation: $90,000–$120,000 annually, depending on experience

About Saga Robotics

Saga Robotics is a leading agri-tech company developing the autonomous robotic platform Thorvald. We automate and scale precision agriculture, enabling carbon- and biodiversity-positive farming in the UK strawberry and U.S. wine grape markets.
Our robots address critical challenges for growers. We are world leaders in applying UV-C light treatment to control fungal diseases without fungicides. Today, approximately 20% of all UK strawberries are treated with light instead of chemicals. In parallel, we collect and refine agronomic data to build data-driven products — including improved yield prediction models and decision-support tools for farmers.
Founded in Norway in 2016 and headquartered in Oslo, Saga Robotics has grown into an international team of ~50 employees across Norway, the UK, and California. We are backed by leading investors including Nysnø Climate Investments, Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, and Aker ASA, positioning us for continued rapid growth.

The Role

We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Controller to own and build out our U.S. finance operations. This is a high-impact role in a scaling international company where operational discipline, cost control, and strong internal processes are essential.
Saga Robotics is a scale-up, not a large corporate finance department. You will be the primary finance person on the ground in the U.S., which means balancing strategic work with hands-on execution. The right candidate thrives on variety, takes ownership beyond their job title, and is comfortable switching between a budget model and a procurement issue in the same afternoon.
This role combines core finance responsibilities with broader operational support in a lean U.S. team. You will oversee accounting processes, inventory controls, and financial reporting while acting as a key operational partner to the California team. The role reports to the CFO with a dotted line to the U.S. General Manager. Physical presence at our Paso Robles office is required.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close
•  Oversee outsourced accounting partner responsible for month-end close
•  Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions
•  Review reconciliations, journal entries, and financial statements
•  Maintain strong internal controls and balance sheet integrity

Cost Control, Budgeting & Analysis
•  Drive cost control across U.S. operations
•  Lead budgeting and rolling forecasting processes
•  Perform variance analysis and deliver actionable financial insights
•  Prepare management reporting and KPI analysis

Commercial & Sales Support
•  Partner with the commercial team to analyze deal margins, customer ROI, and regional sales performance
•  Assist in reviewing financial terms in commercial contracts and ensuring alignment with company pricing strategies
•  Support the development of new commercial models (e.g., Robotics-as-a-Service) and their impact on U.S. cash flow

Operational Finance & Administration
•  Oversee accounts payable, receivable, expense reports, and credit card processes
•  Support collections and working capital management
•  Assist with procurement of materials and parts
•  Support external annual audits, including documentation and reconciliations

HR & Administration
•  Oversee payroll input, review, and approval
•  Support onboarding and offboarding processes
•  Assist with commercial administration (contract updates, insurance coordination)

Process Improvement
•  Implement scalable SOPs and best practices
•  Contribute to ERP optimization and finance systems development
•  Participate in cross-functional and ad hoc projects

Qualifications
•  Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
•  Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a Controller or senior accounting role
•  Strong cost accounting and inventory management experience
•  Solid knowledge of accounting and financial principles and practices
•  Experience working with ERP/accounting systems
•  Advanced Excel proficiency
•  Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
•  Self-starter comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving organization
•  Comfortable working across functions in a lean organization — willing to roll up your sleeves and support beyond core finance when the team needs it

Experience in manufacturing, robotics, hardware, or agri-tech environments is an advantage.

What We Offer
•  A central role in a rapidly growing international technology company
•  Opportunity to work with one of the leading brands in agricultural robotics
•  Competitive compensation with benefits including medical, vision, dental, life and disability insurance, and 401(k) eligibility
•  Broad responsibility across finance and operations
•  A mission-driven environment solving real-world sustainability challenges

We operate across three markets with a lean, collaborative team structure. We value accessibility, accountability, and openness to new ideas. Every team member plays a critical role in our success.

Additional Information
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
If you are excited about Saga Robotics and believe you can add value — even if you don’t meet every qualification — we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your resume to apply.