Corporate Controller - job 1 of 2

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 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 over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.

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 as a Corporate Controller

We are actively seeking a dynamic finance leader to join our team as the Corporate Controller. This pivotal role involves strategic and comprehensive oversight of the company’s accounting functions, including all financial transaction recording and reporting, the company’s strong controls environment, financial operations, and, overall, contributing to process improvement across the company.

In addition, the successful candidate will join the company’s leadership team, reporting to the Vice President of Finance and Accounting, on our journey from the current single location, pre-revenue stage, to an operating company with a broad range of commercial and development activities, and therefore will be looked to for a wide range of financial, process and business insight.

A strong accounting background, including a CPA certification and experience as the corporate functional leader of a dynamic, growing company is valued. Additionally, although we do not presently have plans to go public, we do expect to be doing periodic financings, so experience with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, a successful track record with a public accounting firm and experience operating a company with SEC reporting requirements is also important. 

• Accounting process growth and improvement:  Leading and improving the accounting process in a rapidly-growing and evolving environment, including the general ledger system of accounts, monthly close process, and related accounting operations to ensure that all transactions are recorded and accrued timely.

• Cost Accounting: Overseeing the cost accounting team, developing cost accounting policies and procedures, and ensuring consistency in cost accounting practices. In addition, implementing cost control measures, and working with other departments to optimize resource allocation.

• External financial reporting and validation:  Completing all company level financial reporting, including PwC GAAP audit, 401(k) audit, and annual 409(a) valuation and all tax filings.

• Internal management reporting:  Supporting all internal management reporting and analysis, with other finance team members and being able to act as a strategic advisor to the business regarding all things accounting related.

• Investor interactions and reporting: Supporting investor diligence, reporting needs, audit confirmations, tax forms (K1s) and more detailed reporting as needed.

• Controls environment:  Growing and strengthening the system of controls to prepare CFS to be functionally “Sarbanes-Oxley compliant”, and well-prepared for potentially being a public company in the future.

• Financial operations:  Managing and growing key related financial functions, including accounts payable, payroll and cash management. Experience with process improvements and finance transformation in this area is highly desirable.

• Company leadership team: As a member of the company’s leadership team, providing insight on process improvement, business planning and financial optimization, including inventory management, insurance, ERP, compliance and other issues as they arise.

• Audit Committee: Leading interactions and reporting with the Audit Committee; with the VP of Finance and Accounting and the CFO.

• Technical accounting advisor: Informing the business on technical accounting considerations as the Company expands and commercializes its technology.

• Team management and development:  Serving as a coach and mentor to employees and building an exceptional team, including managing the team in accomplishing work in each area of responsibility, setting objectives, overseeing work, providing feedback and working with team members on career development plans.

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of Business, Finance, Accounting, or other related field
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at a public accounting firm (Big 4 preferred) and hands-on private and or public company experience including operational accounting, financial reporting and month-end close, and payroll.  Experience preparing and taking a company through growth stages is a plus
• CPA license (active status preferred)
• Prior experience as a controller having led and motivated a team, delegated tasks, and managed performance
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and demonstrated experience implementing accounting policies in a variety of finance and accounting areas, including experience with ASC606 evaluation and adoption
• Experience with multi-currency, location and segment consolidations and reporting
• Demonstrated experience in design and implementation of accounting policies, processes, and systems in a rapid growth environment
• Experience coordinating annual tax preparation and filing with outside CPA firm, experience with partnership / passthrough tax filing a plus
• Active interest in, and commitment to, CFS’s mission to address climate change
• Understanding of, experience with, and commitment to, delivering required results safely
• Experience managing a highly motivated team and working in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment
• Detailed, well organized, deadline oriented, and comfortable with soliciting information from a variety of sources
• Strong communications skills, both written and oral, to capture needed inputs and share results and findings in a manner which is accurate, timely and effective

• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics

#LI-Onsite

At 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.