Controller

American Terawatt

11d

About The Position

American Terawatt is an early-stage, venture-backed company building advanced power transmission systems for large industrial loads across the United States. Its network is based on HVDC transmission and standardized, modular terminals that integrate energy storage. The company has a small team of approximately 20 people and active projects across the US. The Controller will build and lead the company’s accounting function, establishing financial systems and processes to support growth and maintain an accurate, financeable balance sheet. As the first Finance Operations hire, the Controller will work directly with the founders and Head of Strategic Finance to build the accounting function from the ground up, select and implement an ERP system, help oversee the implementation of the corporate structure, and lead the company’s first financial audits. The role initially reports directly to Rob Parker, COO and Co-founder. This is a hands-on, high-ownership position focused on accounting strategy for first-of-a-kind infrastructure projects; core accounting operations and financial controls; financial systems, audits, and compliance; and budgeting and financial operations. Early milestones include assessing current processes, establishing an accounting-function roadmap, taking ownership of daily accounting and monthly close, soliciting ERP proposals, and proposing payment controls. By month six, core accounting and reporting processes are expected to be operating reliably, monthly closes completed in under 20 days, cost centers and related practices operationalized, ERP implementation selected or underway, the first audit underway, and structured budgeting and reporting in place.

Requirements

At least 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, joint venture, lease, and derivative accounting.
Familiarity with project accounting, capital expenditures, and long-term vendor commitments.
Experience selecting and implementing an ERP, 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, resourcefulness, adaptability, and ability to act with limited direction.

Nice To Haves

Treasury management experience.
Experience with tax equity, regulatory/FERC accounting, and complex consolidations, including joint ventures and variable interest entities.
Experience scaling accounting functions in a high-growth company.

Responsibilities

Develop accounting policies and positions for first-of-a-kind infrastructure projects, including capitalization and construction costs.
Help shape the company’s corporate structure to support development and financing of large-scale energy projects.
Address complex accounting challenges with sound judgment and practical solutions.
Partner with leadership to assess the financial implications of new business models and infrastructure investments.
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 that can scale with the business.
Design and maintain the chart of accounts, project codes, and cost centers for accurate financial tracking and reporting.
Manage external accounting, tax, and financial service providers.
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.
Build and manage 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.
Assess existing accounting processes, financial systems, and reporting needs; establish a roadmap for the accounting function and take ownership of day-to-day accounting and monthly close.
Solicit ERP proposals and develop an RFP for accounting partners; propose payment controls.
Develop and operationalize cost centers, general ledger codes, affiliate agreements, and timekeeping practices.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package, including salary and equity, commensurate with experience.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, including 75% coverage for dependents and spouses.
Up to $300 per month reimbursement for gym and wellness expenses, or Bay Club membership for San Francisco-based employees.
Lunch provided daily when working from an office.
Unlimited PTO with manager approval.
Company-wide office closures for the week of July 4 and one week in December.
Laptop of choice provided.
Convenient New York City office location near Madison Square Park and public transit.
Pre-tax transit benefit.
Employee contribution 401(k) program.