Controller

Job Summary

The Controller is a senior leadership role responsible for building and scaling a best-in-class accounting function at Kairos Power. This role oversees all aspects of accounting operations—including general ledger, AP, payroll, tax compliance, and financial reporting—and ensures adherence to US GAAP and all regulatory requirements. As a key leader within the Finance organization, this individual partners closely with the Finance Director, and other business leaders to provide strategic guidance, maintain financial integrity, and support growth as the company scales in complexity and scope. The Controller also mentors and develops a high-performing accounting team, drives continuous improvement, and plays a key role in audit readiness, ERP strategy, and long-range planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, tax, fixed assets, and transaction processing across domestic and international entities.
• Ensure the timely and accurate close of financial records each month and quarter, in coordination with the team lead overseeing general ledger and state incentive functions.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Partner with Finance leadership to align accounting operations with the company’s broader financial strategy and growth roadmap.
• Maintain banking relationships and oversee cash management practices, reconciliations, and liquidity planning.
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for AP and Procurement to optimize procure-to-pay workflows and cash disbursement strategies.
• Define and evolve the accounting team structure to support company growth and business complexity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of managers and accounting professionals; ensure succession planning and knowledge transfer.
• Oversee performance management, goal setting, and coaching across the Accounting organization.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and data integrity.
• Ensure cross-training and role coverage to build a resilient and adaptable team.
• Oversee compliance with all local, state, and federal tax regulations, including filings, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Serve as the primary contact for financial audits; coordinate with external auditors and internal stakeholders for timely and complete responses.
• Partner with the lead responsible for general ledger and state incentives to ensure compliance with tax credit programs and other incentive submissions, including international requirements.
• Own the development and execution of internal controls to mitigate financial risk and ensure SOX or SOX-lite readiness.
• Liaise with external tax advisors and manage tax planning strategies to optimize the company’s tax position.
• Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with US GAAP.
• Deliver financial reporting packages for executive leadership and the Board, providing insights and transparency on performance and risk.
• Implement and refine cost accounting systems to support accurate project-level and grant-level financial tracking.
• Oversee and enhance management reporting, including budget-to-actual variance analysis, in partnership with FP&A.
• Support external reporting and investor relations efforts with accounting data, audit input, and compliance assurance.
• Lead accounting system strategy, including optimization of ERP platforms, procurement tools, expense systems, and financial reporting workflows.
• Evaluate new tools and technologies to improve accuracy, scalability, and efficiency across the Accounting function.
• Provide financial and operational input into capital investments, contract structuring, and complex transactions.
• Establish and track accounting performance metrics and KPIs.
• Act as a business partner across departments to align financial processes with operational needs.

Qualifications

• CPA required; Master’s degree or MBA in Accounting, Finance, or Business preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including roles in both public accounting and private industry.
• Deep expertise in US GAAP, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting, with a successful track record navigating audits and scaling accounting operations.
• Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams in dynamic, high-growth environments.
• Prior experience in regulated industries such as nuclear energy, utilities, or manufacturing with complex cost structures is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading accounting organizations through growth, audits, and enterprise system implementations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to think strategically with a hands-on approach to problem-solving, process improvement, and change management.
• Ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams in dynamic, high-growth environments.
• Proficiency with ERP platforms, supporting tools, subsystems, and financial data/reporting technologies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and levels.
• Ability to adapt quickly, manage multiple priorities, and maintain clarity in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and cross-functional knowledge sharing.

Physical Demands

• Ability to think strategically with a hands-on approach to problem-solving, process improvement, and change management.
• Ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams in dynamic, high-growth environments.
• Proficiency with ERP platforms, supporting tools, subsystems, and financial data/reporting technologies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and levels.
• Ability to adapt quickly, manage multiple priorities, and maintain clarity in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and cross-functional knowledge sharing.

Physical Demands

• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Ascending or descending ladders or stairs

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

Travel

• Some travel may be required, up to 5% 

Additional Requirements

• Requires seldom working weekends
• Requires seldom schedule flexibility
• Requires occasionally extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

The salary range for this position is $209,400 to $261,800 for employees working onsite at our Alameda, CA headquarters. The range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired in California. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.

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