Senior Manager, Accounting Operations

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems: 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 Senior Manager, Accounting Operations 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.What you'll do:Lead the Accounting Operations function for a rapidly growing organization, including AP, payroll, expense reporting, and state filing complianceServe as the first-line manager-level owner for operational accounting issue triage, escalation handling, root-cause follow-up, and process disciplineManage and develop the AP, payroll, expense reporting, and state filing compliance team; build role clarity, cross-training, backup coverage, and accountabilityOversee accounts payable operations, including invoice processing, vendor bill flow, payment preparation, vendor-related issue resolution, and adherence to procure-to-pay processesPartner with Supply Chain, FP&A, and Buyers on PO creation, PO management, receiving discipline, buyer/category accuracy, invoice flow, and process improvementOversee payroll operations in partnership with People Ops, including timelines, controls, handoffs, issue resolution, and backup coverageOwn expense reporting and corporate card process compliance, including policy adherence, approval discipline, supporting documentation, and issue resolutionOwn state filing compliance execution, including filing calendars, registrations, external provider coordination, documentation, and timely completion of required deliverablesPartner with ERP/IT and business process owners to identify workflow gaps, improve Odoo-enabled processes, support automation, and strengthen transaction traceabilityDocument key operating procedures, create scalable SOPs and training materials, and ensure process changes are communicated and adopted across impacted functionsMonitor operational accounting metrics and recurring issues to identify trends, reduce rework, and improve processing accuracy and cycle timeSupport monthly close activities related to AP, payroll, expenses, accruals, payments, and compliance areas, ensuring activities are completed timely and accuratelySupport internal controls, audit readiness, and compliance activities related to AP, payroll, expense reporting, and state filingsWhat we’re looking for:Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting or similar field preferredMinimum of 7 years of relevant accounting, accounting operations, or finance operations experienceMinimum of 5 years of supervisory, team lead, or process-owner experience in a finance/accounting environmentHands-on experience with AP, payroll coordination, expense reporting, state filing compliance, or related operational accounting workflowsDemonstrated experience improving processes, resolving operational bottlenecks, documenting procedures, and driving accountability across functionsExperience working cross-functionally with teams such as Supply Chain, FP&A, People Ops/HR, ERP/IT, operations, or procurementStrong process ownership, issue triage, prioritization, and root-cause problem-solving skillsAbility to manage ambiguity, create structure, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environmentStrong communication skills and ability to partner with non-accounting stakeholders while maintaining compliance and control disciplinePeople leadership, coaching, staff development, and accountability managementStrong Excel and ERP fluency; ability to use data to identify exceptions, trends, and process gapsBonus points for: Experience in a high-growth, manufacturing, R&D, project-based, or operationally complex environmentExperience with Odoo or similar ERP systemsExperience managing external providers for state filings, compliance, payroll support, or related servicesExperience with corporate card programs, travel and expense systems, procure-to-pay workflows, or payroll systemsCPA, CPP, or other relevant professional certification Experience building SOPs, training materials, controls documentation, and audit-ready supportMust-have Requirements: Perform extended activities such as typing, standing, sitting, walking, etcOccasional nights/weekends/on-call may be required during payroll processing, month-end close, audit, compliance deadlines, system issues, or urgent operational escalationsWork in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenicsAt CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, “Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Benefits include: Competitive compensation with equity 13 Company-wide Holidays Flexible vacation days 10 sick days Generous parental leave policy Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with employer matching Professional growth opportunities Team-building activities