Associate - Accounting

Job description

**About Thea Energy:** Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future. **Position Overview:** Thea Energy is seeking a meticulous, proactive, and highly organized Associate - Accounting to join our Finance & Operations team. In this role, you will own the day-to-day corporate accounting function, driving timely month-end closes and managing the end-to-end procurement and accounts payable workflows. You will serve as a key builder of our scaling financial infrastructure—implementing modern ERP tools, managing grant and debt compliance, and partnering with FP&A to forecast cash flow and spend velocity. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in general ledger management, works collaboratively across technical and operational teams, and thrives in the fast-paced, dynamic environment of a rapidly growing startup. Thea Energy’s dynamic team is made up of self-motivated individuals with an excitement for solving complex problems. ### Key Responsibility Areas: - Own the corporate accounting function and complete timely, accurate month-end and year-end financial closes. - Architect and oversee the end-to-end procurement process, from vendor onboarding and purchase order (PO) management to the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable. - Lead the implementation of a scalable financial infrastructure (ERP/Procurement tools) built on robust systems and processes. - Prepare comprehensive financial statements, manage accounting data feeding business insights, and assist in preparing board decks and investor reporting materials. - Collaborate with FP&A to conduct variance analysis, understand spend velocity, and prepare quarterly and annual cash forecasts. - Lead grant and debt administration, ensuring adherence to compliance requirements, including reporting and the preparation of reimbursement requests for government or private funding. - Maintain the fixed asset register to track R&D capital expenditures. - Ensure GAAP compliance and audit readiness, and coordinate with external partners to manage federal, state, and local tax filings. - Oversee internal controls to mitigate financial risk and develop standard operating procedures for all accounting and procurement workflows. - Lead the preparation and documentation for Federal and State R&D tax credits; collaborate with engineering teams to capture qualifying activities and costs to maximize tax incentives. - Oversee multi-state sales and use tax compliance and manage exemption certificates for R&D-related purchases. ### Ideal Experience & Skillsets: - 5+ years of corporate accounting experience with a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA preferred). - Strong background in general ledger management and financial reporting, with a deep understanding of GAAP compliance and audit readiness (experience in a hard-tech, manufacturing, or engineering environments is ideal). - Advanced proficiency in accounting software/ERPs and Excel to support the financial close, data analysis, and reporting. - Familiarity with procurement software and the integration of PO systems with the general ledger. - Strong analytical skills with the ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams to support FP&A activities. - Proven experience documenting and preparing R&D tax credit claims, including labor allocation and qualifying research expenses (QREs). - Proven organizational skills to effectively oversee internal controls and document standard operating procedures. - A track record of thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment, demonstrating an exceptional work ethic, and the ability to take initiative. - Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. ### Company Benefits: - Salary range $120,000-$145,000 - Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision) - Employee equity stock options - 20 days PTO