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. This is a hands-on role ideal for a builder ready to architect and own our accounting infrastructure from the ground up.

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.

Additional Requirements

• Work onsite from our Portland, OR headquarters.
• Flexibility to work longer hours or weekends when required during critical periods. Occasional periods of intensity are balanced by policies designed to make startup pace sustainable, including unlimited PTO, flexible working hours, and ability to work remotely as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

• Cash compensation of $150,000 - $250,000, depending on experience
• Equity in the company. We’re all owners and if we’re successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation
• A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
  • Unlimited paid time off
  • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Dental insurance (the company pays 33% for full time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents)
  • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
  • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled)
  • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed)