Controller

Help Build the Financial Backbone of a New Kind of Organization

Location: Remote

Commitment: Approximately 5-10 hours per week (flexible)

Contract: Independent Contractor (initial engagement)

Pay: Negotiable for the right person (starting at $50/hour)

About Cosmos
Cosmos Cooperative is building a new model for creative collaboration, publishing, education, professional services, and community ownership.

We are a Colorado Limited Cooperative Association (LCA) bringing together creators, professionals, investors, and supporters to build an organization where purpose, participation, and sustainable business reinforce one another.

We are entering a significant growth phase and are preparing for investor outreach, expanded client services, and increasing operational complexity.

To support that next stage, we’re looking for an exceptional Controller.

The Opportunity
This is not a traditional accounting position. We’re looking for someone who enjoys bringing clarity to complexity and who wants to help build the financial operating system of an organization from the ground up.

You will become a trusted operational partner to leadership, helping transform financial information into sound organizational decision-making.

The right person will help create the financial discipline that enables Cosmos to grow responsibly without compromising its unique vision.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate accounting records and monthly financial statements
• Manage and improve accounting processes using Xero
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
• Assist with investor reporting and fundraising readiness
• Develop internal financial controls and documentation
• Support organizational planning through financial analysis
• Coordinate with leadership regarding contracts, budgets, and operational planning
• Help improve financial and operational systems as Cosmos continues to grow
• Depending on experience and interest, the role may also include light operational support in areas such as process improvement, organizational development, or HR administration.

Who You Are
You enjoy building systems.

You naturally bring order to ambiguity.

You communicate well with both financial and non-financial people.

You are comfortable working in an entrepreneurial environment where not every process has been fully defined.

You are drawn to working with mission-driven, innovative start-ups.

Rather than simply maintaining existing systems, you enjoy helping design better ones.

Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting professional
• Strong understanding of financial statements and internal controls
• Experience with Xero, QuickBooks, or similar accounting platforms
• Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a distributed leadership team
• Experience with startups, cooperatives, nonprofits, professional services, or mission-driven organizations is highly desirable.

What Success Looks Like
Within the first few months, you will help Cosmos establish:

Reliable monthly financial reporting
Clear financial visibility for leadership
Improved budgeting and forecasting
Financial systems that support investor readiness
A scalable operational foundation for future growth

The Person We’re Hoping to Meet
Technical competence is essential.

Equally important is curiosity, initiative, and the desire to help build something meaningful.

We’re looking for someone early enough in their career to be excited by a challenge, experienced enough to build confidence in our financial systems, and collaborative enough to become a trusted partner to the leadership team.

If you’re motivated by helping mission-driven organizations become financially strong, we’d love to talk with you.

How to Apply
Please email a brief cover letter, resume, and three professional references to caroline [at] cosmos.coop.

The position will be filled as soon as possible.