John Hidalgo

acct-0039_John D. Hidalgo.jpg

Job Title: Corporate Controller
Company: LeoLabs
Industry: Technology, SAAS, Space
Profile

Background

Job Description

I am responsible for the integrity of the company's financial statements. In addition to leading the close process, I manage the company's international accounting function and tax compliance. I interface with external accountants and auditors to ensure that the company is current and compliant with all statutory accounting and tax requirements in the various countries in which we operate. I also lead a team of accountants to manage the day to day accounting operations of the company such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury, inventory, fixed assets, payroll and stock based compensation.

Company Description

LeoLabs was created to drive advances in space traffic safety, space situational awareness, and preservation of the space environment through actionable, real-time information. LeoLabs is the world's first and only supplier of commercial radar tracking services for objects in low Earth orbit(LEO). The company offers a subscription based service for automated satellite and space debris tracking in real-time over the internet, from a network of trusted radars.

Employment History

With 8 years of management experience and over 20 years of accounting experience, I have developed my skills to be a well rounded accountant to support growth stage startups with international operations. After school I started as an accounting associate in the cash department for a publicly traded real estate insurance trust(REIT) in Seattle and after a year I began working for a local public accounting firm called Bader Martin as a tax accountant and later as an audit senior. At Bader Martin I gained experience in local, state, and Federal tax compliance as well as managed compilations, reviews, and audits. I gained my experience in international accounting, intercompany accounting, and transfer pricing while working at companies like Getty Images and Amazon. I gained more controllership experience by working for companies like Loud Technologies and Virgin Hyperloop where I was responsible for the financial statements and managed the month-end close with an emphasis on optimizing processes for accounts payable, procurement, and fixed assets.

Education

Bachelor in Humanities from Seattle University Bachelor in Business Administration from Seattle University

Mentoring Objectives & Scope

I find every mentoring situation is an opportunity for both parties to learn and develop from each other's experiences. I foster this through maintaining an open and honest line of communication between mentor and mentee. I hope to get to know my students' personal and professional goals so that I can advise and support them in their journey. I also have an interest in working with students who may identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or is part of an underrepresented minority group.

When and where do you hold meetings with your students?

I am usually available to meet with students over zoom either at lunch hour or after 5pm on Weekdays. I have some availability on the weekends as well.

Additional Information

Although I interned for a Big 4 firm during college, my career path was a non traditional one. I did not pursue the traditional professional path that accounting students are coached to follow. I want my students to understand that you can be successful and happy with your career path even if it is outside the typical accounting path.