Associate - Accounting

**About Thea Energy:**

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 a meticulous, proactive, and highly organized Associate - Accounting to join our Finance & Operations team. In this role, you will own the day-to-day corporate accounting function, driving timely month-end closes and managing the end-to-end procurement and accounts payable workflows. You will serve as a key builder of our scaling financial infrastructure—implementing modern ERP tools, managing grant and debt compliance, and partnering with FP&A to forecast cash flow and spend velocity. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in general ledger management, works collaboratively across technical and operational teams, and thrives in the fast-paced, dynamic environment of a rapidly growing startup. 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