Interim Fractional Controller (Contractor)

Utilidata•Ann Arbor, MI

1d•$125 - $200•Remote

About The Position

Utilidata is a fast-growing NVIDIA-backed edge AI company enabling greater visibility and control of power utilization in energy-intensive infrastructure, like the electric grid and data centers. Karman, the company’s distributed AI platform powered by a custom NVIDIA module, is transforming the way utility companies operate the grid edge and will enable data centers to unlock more compute for the same provisioned power. We are seeking an experienced Interim Fractional Controller (Contractor) to provide parental leave coverage for our Director, Finance & Accounting. This role will own financial governance, compliance, and accounting oversight during a critical period of growth. The ideal start date is June 1, with a one-month onboarding period prior to the leave beginning July 1; the engagement runs approximately 20 weeks from that date. This contractor will serve as the senior finance lead during the coverage period, working closely with the VP, Finance & Operations and collaborating cross-functionally across the organization.

Requirements

8+ years in finance or accounting with demonstrated leadership of a finance or accounting function
CPA strongly preferred
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, or a related field
Deep understanding of startup financial operations and GAAP accounting
Experience with Carta, QuickBooks Online (QBO), and similar tools
Familiarity with venture-backed startup environments
Operationally focused with strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills
Adaptable and self-directed — able to lead a function independently with limited ramp time

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting audit or tax processes in a startup or high-growth environment
Familiarity with hardware or deep tech company finance operations
Prior experience in an interim, fractional, or contractor finance leadership role

Responsibilities

Own GAAP-compliant books and manage the monthly close process
Ensure corporate, sales, and location tax compliance; maintain audit readiness; and monitor cash health
Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and tax advisors
Maintain and strengthen internal controls across financial operations
Manage finance policies and standard operating procedures
Oversee AR/AP, procurement, and credit card compliance — with day-to-day execution owned by the Finance & Accounting Operations Associate
Manage and maintain Carta and the cap table, including option pool tracking, preparing grants for Board approval, and issuing grants
Manage investor reporting requirements (e.g., monthly KPI and financial updates) and coordinate responses to routine investor information requests
Recommend cash transfers for approval and monitor cash position for operational needs
Prepare and coordinate Budget vs. Actual reporting; support departmental budget alignment
Ensure documentation retention and finance-related compliance frameworks are maintained and audit-ready
Oversee payroll accounting integration and ensure payroll accuracy with execution owned by the Finance & Accounting Operations Associate