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 an experienced and highly motivated Associate - Accounting to join its rapidly growing team. In this role, you will own the corporate accounting function and drive day-to-day operations. You will partner closely with leadership to implement a scalable financial infrastructure, manage strategic procurement workflows, and build robust internal controls. The ideal candidate brings expertise in US GAAP and the ability to execute an accurate, timely financial close while delivering precise reporting to support FP&A, investor relations, and tax incentive optimization. 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
Skills Required
- 5+ years corporate accounting experience with degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- US GAAP knowledge and audit readiness experience
- Experience completing timely month-end and year-end financial closes
- General ledger management and financial statement preparation
- Advanced proficiency in Excel
- Experience with accounting software / ERPs and ERP implementation
- Procurement process oversight and PO system integration with the general ledger
- Accounts payable processing and vendor onboarding experience
- Grant and debt administration, compliance reporting, and reimbursement preparation
- Proven experience preparing and documenting Federal and State R&D tax credit claims
- Multi-state sales and use tax compliance and exemption certificate management
- Maintain fixed asset register and track R&D capital expenditures
- Strong analytical skills and ability to collaborate with FP&A for variance analysis and cash forecasting
- Experience in hard-tech, manufacturing, or engineering environments
- CPA credential
- Track record thriving in fast-paced startup environments
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
What We Do
Thea Energy is a fusion energy company dedicated to creating a limitless source of zero-emission energy for a sustainable future. By reinventing the stellarator using arrays of mass-manufacturable magnets and dynamic software controls, they aim to commercialize scalable and economical fusion power systems, transitioning from scientific research to practical, commercial operations.
