We are seeking a Controller who will own Arbor's core accounting operations and build scalable financial infrastructure as the company grows. You'll manage outsourced accounting operations, lead ERP implementation, establish manufacturing cost accounting, and build grant compliance capabilities — all while ensuring accurate, timely, audit-ready financials. This role requires strong judgment, comfort with ambiguity, and a bias toward building scalable systems and processes. You'll partner closely with the Director of Finance (who owns forward-looking FP&A and modeling) to ensure historical actuals are accurate and provide the foundation for strategic planning. The Controller is backward-looking and compliance-focused, answering the question: "Are the books right?" You'll ensure Arbor has clean books, compliant processes, and scalable accounting infrastructure. ## Responsibilities
Accounting Operations & Team Management
Manage outsourced accounting team (payroll, AP, month-end close) and serve as single point of accountability for accounting quality, timeliness, and deliverables
Determine timing and approach for bringing accounting in-house as the company scales
Eventually hire and build in-house accounting team (first hire likely Senior Accountant to manage day-to-day outsourced operations)
Conduct quarterly performance reviews of outsourced accounting team
Financial Close & Reporting
Own month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close process and calendar, ensuring timely, accurate financial statements in accordance with US GAAP
Manage general ledger and chart of accounts structure and integrity
Oversee consolidated financial reporting across entities (if applicable)
Provide accurate, timely historical actuals to support the Director of Finance's forecasting and planning
ERP Implementation (CRITICAL PRIORITY)
Lead selection and implementation of true ERP system within the year to replace QuickBooks Online
Define requirements based on Arbor's unique needs: heavy AP volume and vendor management, multi-year contract tracking ("contracts that will deliver in YEARS from now"), future AR capability (growing in 2027), manufacturing cost accounting, and grant compliance and reporting
Ensure ERP integrates with planning tools for seamless data flow to support the Director of Finance's FP&A work
Build scalable processes and documentation
Establish internal controls and approval workflows in new system
Optimize vendor payment terms to support cash management
Treasury & Cash Management
Manage day-to-day cash positioning and banking relationships
Execute payments and ensure cash is positioned appropriately across accounts
Manage bank account structures and reconciliations
Monitor daily/weekly cash balances and report to leadership (the Director of Finance forecasts cash; the Controller manages it operationally)
Audit, Tax & Compliance
Lead external audit process, serving as primary point of contact and ensuring smooth, efficient audit cycles
Oversee tax preparation and filings (likely outsourced, but Controller owns the relationship and ensures compliance)
Ensure compliance with US GAAP and relevant accounting standards
Build internal controls framework in preparation for future SOX readiness
Coordinate risk management and insurance
Budgeting Process Ownership
Design and own the budgeting PROCESS: timeline, input templates, consolidation methodology, approval workflows
Ensure budget is loaded into systems properly
Produce actual vs. budget variance reports on schedule
Hold budget owners accountable to timeline and input quality
Track commitments and spend against budget in real-time
Partner with Director of Finance who builds the budget models and provides strategic variance analysis
Commercial Contract Support
Establish revenue recognition policies and ensure compliance as commercial contracts scale
Manage proper accounting treatment of customer contracts
Build systems for contract tracking: terms, milestones, payment schedules
Ensure proper invoicing and AR management as revenue scales (2027+)
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with deep expertise in general ledger management, financial close, internal controls, and systems implementation
Experience working in (or with) venture-backed, growth-stage companies in capital-intensive environments such as manufacturing, hardware, energy, infrastructure, or industrial operations
Deep understanding of US GAAP, financial reporting, and audit processes
Hands-on experience leading ERP selection and implementation (NetSuite, Sage Intacct, or similar), including requirements definition, vendor evaluation, and change management
Experience with manufacturing cost accounting, including inventory management, standard costing, and variance analysis
Strong systems thinking and ability to build scalable accounting infrastructure from the ground up
Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Commercial teams
Proven ability to manage outsourced teams and determine optimal timing for building in-house capabilities
Comfortable operating in ambiguity with incomplete data while maintaining rigor and accuracy
Preferred Qualifications
CPA certification
MBA or Master's degree in Accounting or Finance
Prior Big Four or national accounting firm experience
Experience with government grant compliance and cost accounting for federal/state contracts
Experience in power generation, energy technology, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing sectors
Prior exposure to ASC 842 lease accounting in capital-intensive environments
Experience building accounting capabilities for companies transitioning from R&D to commercial manufacturing
Familiarity with project finance or infrastructure development accounting
Compensation & Benefits
Pre-IPO stock options
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
Basic life insurance fully covered
Health savings account (HSA) with matching
Flexible savings account (FSA)
Unlimited PTO
12+ company holidays, including Earth Day! - 401(k)
Commuter benefits
Annual learning and development stipend
And more! Base Pay: $130,000 - $150,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Solving global energy challenges requires a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the world we serve. Our hiring process is designed to be accessible, fair, and focused on the work that matters most for this role. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and employment—please let us know if you need one.