Controller

Job Description About UsAt Arbor Energy & Resources Corporation ("Arbor Energy"), we're creating technology to power our lives while protecting the planet that sustains them. Our advanced power systems deliver clean, reliable baseload electricity with zero operating emissions—modular, fuel-flexible, and engineered for the realities of today's energy demand. At the core is a supercritical CO2 turbine with integrated carbon capture, designed to bring carbon-neutral power online quickly at meaningful scale. Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal: to build technology worthy of the world we want to live in. While many of us began our journeys looking to the stars, we're applying that expertise here at home to deliver dependable, emission-free baseload power and a future of lasting abundance. If you share our values and are drawn to rigorous work with lasting impact, we'd love to learn more about you. Come build what the future will run on.Steward our planetWe build for tomorrow, ensuring every bolt we tighten and every hand we lend leaves our environment stronger than we found it.Lead with LoveWe champion the success of our people, partners, and planet, nurturing excellence through camaraderie and rigor.Explore the UnchartedWe embrace the unknown with curiosity, using courage and discipline to transform uncertainty into opportunity.Role OverviewWe are seeking a Controller who will own Arbor's core accounting operations and build scalable financial infrastructure as the company grows. You'll manage outsourced accounting operations, lead ERP implementation, establish manufacturing cost accounting, and build grant compliance capabilities — all while ensuring accurate, timely, audit-ready financials.This role requires strong judgment, comfort with ambiguity, and a bias toward building scalable systems and processes. You'll partner closely with the Director of Finance (who owns forward-looking FP&A and modeling) to ensure historical actuals are accurate and provide the foundation for strategic planning.The Controller is backward-looking and compliance-focused, answering the question: "Are the books right?" You'll ensure Arbor has clean books, compliant processes, and scalable accounting infrastructure.ResponsibilitiesAccounting Operations & Team ManagementManage outsourced accounting team (payroll, AP, month-end close) and serve as single point of accountability for accounting quality, timeliness, and deliverablesDetermine timing and approach for bringing accounting in-house as the company scalesEventually hire and build in-house accounting team (first hire likely Senior Accountant to manage day-to-day outsourced operations)Conduct quarterly performance reviews of outsourced accounting teamFinancial Close & ReportingOwn month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close process and calendar, ensuring timely, accurate financial statements in accordance with US GAAPManage general ledger and chart of accounts structure and integrityOversee consolidated financial reporting across entities (if applicable)Produce board-ready historical financial packages (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement)Provide accurate, timely historical actuals to support the Director of Finance's forecasting and planningERP Implementation (CRITICAL PRIORITY)Lead selection and implementation of true ERP system within the year to replace QuickBooks OnlineDefine requirements based on Arbor's unique needs: heavy AP volume and vendor management, multi-year contract tracking ("contracts that will deliver in YEARS from now"), future AR capability (growing in 2027), manufacturing cost accounting, and grant compliance and reportingEnsure ERP integrates with planning tools for seamless data flow to support the Director of Finance's FP&A workBuild scalable processes and documentationEstablish internal controls and approval workflows in new systemGrants Management & Compliance (GROWING CAPABILITY)Develop processes for managing state and federal grants as Arbor scales government fundingEnsure grant reporting meets appropriate standards and compliance requirementsUnderstand cost accounting requirements for government contractsBuild systems to track allowable vs. non-allowable costsCoordinate with external auditors on grant auditsStay current on evolving grant compliance requirementsManufacturing Cost AccountingDesign and implement cost accounting system for manufacturing (job costing, process costing, or hybrid approach)Establish inventory accounting for raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods tracking and valuationEstablish and maintain standard costs for manufactured componentsTrack manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead) and produce variance reports for operations reviewEnsure accurate cost of goods sold calculation as production scalesImplement internal controls over production costs, inventory, and wasteEquipment & Asset ManagementNegotiate, execute, and manage equipment leases for factory buildoutEnsure proper ASC 842 lease accounting treatmentMaintain fixed asset register, depreciation schedules, and asset tagging/inventoryTrack actual CapEx spend against approved budgetsManage vendor contract administration: process POs, track delivery milestones, manage payment terms for equipment suppliersDefine and maintain capitalization policies (what gets capitalized vs. expensed for factory buildout)AP & Multi-Year Vendor Contract Management (UNIQUE ARBOR NEED)Build systems and processes to track multi-year vendor commitments for long-lead-time equipment and materialsEnsure proper accrual accounting for contracts that deliver years from nowManage contract lifecycle from accounting perspective: commitment tracking, milestone-based accruals, payment schedulesProcess heavy volume AP through outsourced teamOptimize vendor payment terms to support cash managementTreasury & Cash ManagementManage day-to-day cash positioning and banking relationshipsExecute payments and ensure cash is positioned appropriately across accountsManage bank account structures and reconciliationsMonitor daily/weekly cash balances and report to leadership (the Director of Finance forecasts cash; the Controller manages it operationally)Audit, Tax & ComplianceLead external audit process, serving as primary point of contact and ensuring smooth, efficient audit cyclesOversee tax preparation and filings (likely outsourced, but Controller owns the relationship and ensures compliance)Ensure compliance with US GAAP and relevant accounting standardsBuild internal controls framework in preparation for future SOX readinessCoordinate risk management and insuranceBudgeting Process OwnershipDesign and own the budgeting PROCESS: timeline, input templates, consolidation methodology, approval workflowsEnsure budget is loaded into systems properlyProduce actual vs. budget variance reports on scheduleHold budget owners accountable to timeline and input qualityTrack commitments and spend against budget in real-timePartner with Director of Finance who builds the budget models and provides strategic variance analysisCommercial Contract SupportEstablish revenue recognition policies and ensure compliance as commercial contracts scaleManage proper accounting treatment of customer contractsBuild systems for contract tracking: terms, milestones, payment schedulesEnsure proper invoicing and AR management as revenue scales (2027+)RequirementsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with deep expertise in general ledger management, financial close, internal controls, and systems implementationExperience working in (or with) venture-backed, growth-stage companies in capital-intensive environments such as manufacturing, hardware, energy, infrastructure, or industrial operationsDeep understanding of US GAAP, financial reporting, and audit processesHands-on experience leading ERP selection and implementation (NetSuite, Sage Intacct, or similar), including requirements definition, vendor evaluation, and change managementExperience with manufacturing cost accounting, including inventory management, standard costing, and variance analysisStrong systems thinking and ability to build scalable accounting infrastructure from the ground upExcellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Commercial teamsProven ability to manage outsourced teams and determine optimal timing for building in-house capabilitiesComfortable operating in ambiguity with incomplete data while maintaining rigor and accuracyPreferred QualificationsCPA certificationMBA or Master's degree in Accounting or FinancePrior Big Four or national accounting firm experienceExperience with government grant compliance and cost accounting for federal/state contractsExperience in power generation, energy technology, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing sectorsPrior exposure to ASC 842 lease accounting in capital-intensive environmentsExperience building accounting capabilities for companies transitioning from R&D to commercial manufacturingFamiliarity with project finance or infrastructure development accountingCompensation & BenefitsPre-IPO stock optionsMedical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)Basic life insurance fully coveredHealth savings account (HSA) with matchingFlexible savings account (FSA)Unlimited PTO 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day! 401(k)Commuter benefitsAnnual learning and development stipendAnd more!Base Pay$130,000 - $150,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.Our CommitmentArbor Energy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Solving global energy challenges requires a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the world we serve. xhyhwjd Our hiring process is designed to be accessible, fair, and focused on the work that matters most for this role. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and employment—please let us know if you need one.