Director of Accounting and Corporate Controller

About the Company We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore. The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices.

We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company’s direction on a regular basis. About the Job As our Director of Accounting & Corporate Controller, you will lead financial operations during a critical growth phase as we scale from R&D to mass production and commercial deployment. You’ll build scalable systems and controls, establish reporting processes that support rapid decision-making, and provide financial insights that help leadership execute on ambitious goals.

Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Cash Management Lead day-to-day accounting operations, including AP/AR, GL,payroll, and tax, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Develop and refine cash flow forecasting and runway management tools, giving leadership real-time financial visibility. Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to implement robust inventory and cost accounting practices.

Ensure accurate production cost tracking, BOM traceability, and system alignment as we scale to high-volume manufacturing. Financial Reporting & Compliance Ensure integrity of financial statements and compliance with GAAP and tax regulations. Deliver timely, audit-ready month-end and year-end closes.

Lead external audit processes and maintain internal controls appropriate for a scaling hard tech company. Systems & Process Development Implement and optimize ERP systems and integrate with PLM/MRP/MES/procurement tools. Ensure that accounting systems capture the data required to inform key business decisions.

Design scalable accounting processes that support cross-functional collaboration and operational agility. Reporting & Analysis Partner with FP&A and executive leadership to inform forward-looking forecasts with actual results. Build reporting packages for leadership, board meetings, and investors.

Develop lightweight reforecasting and scenario planning tools to maintain up-to-date financial visibility.

Qualifications

Required: 6+ years of progressive experience in accounting and financial reporting, including leading financial operations for $50M+ organizations. Deep expertise in GAAP, financial statement preparation, internal controls, and tax compliance. Experience with cost accounting, inventory accounting, and financial audits.

Strong Excel and financial modeling skills – your models are both accurate and maintainable. Hands-on experience implementing and managing ERP systems (NetSuite strongly preferred). Extraordinary attention to detail.

You deeply understand the importance of accuracy and tightness in accounting and reporting. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate financial data into strategic insights. Proven ability to design and implement accounting systems and processes that effectively scale with company growth.

Strong communication and leadership skills to partner effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership. Preferred: Prior experience building and scaling accounting functions in a high-growth startup. Experience in manufacturing, hardware, clean technology, or other capital-intensive industries.

Familiarity with PLM, MRP, MES, and procurement systems. CPA or CMA certification.