Controller

Overview

This organization is building a new industrial electric grid for the United States, designing and deploying advanced power transmission systems for large industrial loads.

An opportunity is available for a Controller to build and lead the accounting function, establish the financial systems and processes needed to support growth, and ensure the balance sheet is accurate and financeable.

This is a hands-on, high-ownership role and the organization’s first Finance Operations hire. You will work closely with founders and the Head of Strategic Finance to build the accounting function from the ground up, select and implement an ERP system, oversee the implementation of the corporate structure, and lead the first financial audits.

Responsibilities

Shape the accounting strategy for first-of-a-kind infrastructure projects

• Develop accounting policies for first-of-a-kind (FOAK) infrastructure projects, including capitalization, construction costs, and other complex accounting considerations.
• Help shape the company’s corporate structure to support development and financing of large-scale energy projects.
• Navigate complex accounting challenges with sound judgment and practical solutions.
• Partner with leadership to evaluate the financial implications of new business models and infrastructure investments.

Build the accounting function

• Establish and manage core accounting operations, including month-end close, financial statements, reporting, vendor payments, and accounts payable.
• Develop accounting policies, internal controls, and processes for novel infrastructure projects that scale with the business.
• Design and maintain the chart of accounts, project codes, and cost centers to support accurate financial tracking and reporting.
• Manage external accounting, tax, and financial service providers.

Financial systems, audits, and compliance

• Lead ERP selection and implementation.
• Prepare for and lead the company’s first financial audits.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP and applicable tax and reporting requirements.
• Review and certify credit ratios and lender compliance requirements.
• Substantiate accounting and tax positions with external advisors.

Budgeting and financial operations

• Build and manage the company’s budgeting and financial reporting processes.
• Partner with Finance on cash flow forecasting.
• Partner with leadership to track spending, budgets, and financial performance.
• Establish processes for tracking capital expenditures, equipment purchases, and infrastructure project costs.

Success milestones

• First month

  • Assess existing accounting processes, financial systems, and reporting needs.
  • Establish a roadmap for building the accounting function, including immediate priorities and controls.
  • Take ownership of day-to-day accounting operations and the monthly close process.
  • Issue RFP to solicit ERP proposals.
  • Brief potential accounting partners and develop RFP.
  • Propose payment controls.

• By month six

  • Core accounting operations running smoothly, with reliable financial reporting and internal controls; monthly closes in <20 days.
  • Cost centers, GL codes, affiliate agreements, time keeping practices developed and operationalized.
  • An ERP system has been selected and implemented, or implementation is well underway.
  • The company’s first financial audit is underway, with key documentation and processes in place.
  • A structured budgeting and reporting process provides leadership with visibility into spending, financial performance, and project costs.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in accounting or finance, including experience in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role at a multi-entity company.
• CPA certification.
• Experience in energy, infrastructure, construction, or another capital-intensive industry.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting operations, including construction and contract, JV, lease, and derivative accounting.
• Familiarity with project accounting, capital expenditures, and long-term vendor commitments.
• Experience with ERP selection and implementation, such as NetSuite or Sage.
• Demonstrated experience leading financial audits.
• Experience building and managing budgeting processes, financial reporting, and month-end close.
• Creative and proactive use of AI tools to streamline accounting processes, automate workflows, and improve financial operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Comfort working in an early-stage environment and building processes from scratch.
• High agency: resourceful, adaptable, and able to act with limited direction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Treasury management experience.
• Experience with tax equity, regulatory/FERC accounting, and complex consolidations (JV, VIEs, etc).
• Experience scaling accounting functions in a high-growth company.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive compensation package, including salary and equity, commensurate with experience.
• Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, including 75% coverage for dependents and spouses.
• Wellness: Up to $300/month reimbursement for gym and wellness expenses, or Bay Club membership for SF-based employees.
• Meals: Lunch provided daily when working from an office.
• Time off: Unlimited PTO with manager approval, plus company-wide office closures for July 4 week and one week in December.
• Additional perks: Laptop of choice; convenient NYC office location near Madison Square Park and near public transit (pre-tax transit benefit); employee contribution 401(k) program.

Location

• NYC office near Madison Square Park (near public transit).