Senior Manager, Accounting Operations

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Devens, MA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy. Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we're working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world. Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team. If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you. Join the power movement. The Senior Manager, Accounting Operations will own Accounting Operations across accounts payable, payroll, expense reporting, and state filing compliance. This role will serve as the manager-level owner for issue triage, escalation handling, process discipline, staff development, and cross-functional coordination across expense reporting, procure-to-pay, and payroll workflows. The role is structural in nature: it creates one clear owner for work that is currently fragmented across staff, consultants, and senior accounting leadership, reducing operational bottlenecks and helping the Accounting organization scale as CFS grows.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting or similar field preferred
Minimum of 7 years of relevant accounting, accounting operations, or finance operations experience
Minimum of 5 years of supervisory, team lead, or process-owner experience in a finance/accounting environment
Hands-on experience with AP, payroll coordination, expense reporting, state filing compliance, or related operational accounting workflows
Demonstrated experience improving processes, resolving operational bottlenecks, documenting procedures, and driving accountability across functions
Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as Supply Chain, FP&A, People Ops/HR, ERP/IT, operations, or procurement
Strong process ownership, issue triage, prioritization, and root-cause problem-solving skills
Ability to manage ambiguity, create structure, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication skills and ability to partner with non-accounting stakeholders while maintaining compliance and control discipline
People leadership, coaching, staff development, and accountability management
Strong Excel and ERP fluency; ability to use data to identify exceptions, trends, and process gaps
Perform extended activities such as typing, standing, sitting, walking, etc.
Occasional nights/weekends/on-call may be required during payroll processing, month-end close, audit, compliance deadlines, system issues, or urgent operational escalations.
Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics

Nice To Haves

Experience in a high-growth, manufacturing, R&D, project-based, or operationally complex environment
Experience with Odoo or similar ERP systems
Experience managing external providers for state filings, compliance, payroll support, or related services
Experience with corporate card programs, travel and expense systems, procure-to-pay workflows, or payroll systems
CPA, CPP, or other relevant professional certification
Experience building SOPs, training materials, controls documentation, and audit-ready support

Responsibilities

Lead the Accounting Operations function for a rapidly growing organization, including AP, payroll, expense reporting, and state filing compliance
Serve as the first-line manager-level owner for operational accounting issue triage, escalation handling, root-cause follow-up, and process discipline
Manage and develop the AP, payroll, expense reporting, and state filing compliance team; build role clarity, cross-training, backup coverage, and accountability
Oversee accounts payable operations, including invoice processing, vendor bill flow, payment preparation, vendor-related issue resolution, and adherence to procure-to-pay processes
Partner with Supply Chain, FP&A, and Buyers on PO creation, PO management, receiving discipline, buyer/category accuracy, invoice flow, and process improvement
Oversee payroll operations in partnership with People Ops, including timelines, controls, handoffs, issue resolution, and backup coverage
Own expense reporting and corporate card process compliance, including policy adherence, approval discipline, supporting documentation, and issue resolution
Own state filing compliance execution, including filing calendars, registrations, external provider coordination, documentation, and timely completion of required deliverables
Partner with ERP/IT and business process owners to identify workflow gaps, improve Odoo-enabled processes, support automation, and strengthen transaction traceability
Document key operating procedures, create scalable SOPs and training materials, and ensure process changes are communicated and adopted across impacted functions
Monitor operational accounting metrics and recurring issues to identify trends, reduce rework, and improve processing accuracy and cycle time
Support monthly close activities related to AP, payroll, expenses, accruals, payments, and compliance areas, ensuring activities are completed timely and accurately
Support internal controls, audit readiness, and compliance activities related to AP, payroll, expense reporting, and state filings