Remote Financial Controller - Climate & Cleantech Startups

At ecoCFO, we use our financial and accounting expertise to support startups and nonprofits in climate and cleantech. By providing best-in-class accounting, operations, financial planning, and infrastructure services, we can make a meaningful impact on the mission of cleantech organizations. We're building a dedicated team of Controllers, CFOs, Accountants, and FP&A professionals who thrive in startup environments and are passionate about being part of the solution to climate change.

About the Role

As a Controller at ecoCFO, you lead one or more client accounts, owning the client relationship and managing their back-office accounting systems. You'll work with a staff accountant, collaborate with our FP&A and CFO teams, and support client executives. Your responsibilities include implementing and managing scalable, audit-ready accounting systems that align with each client's growth goals, as well as reviewing and signing off on financial statements. This is a remote role offering meaningful autonomy and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage or perform daily accounting operations.
• Oversee general accounting and bookkeeping functions, including policy development and internal controls.
• Prepare company and/or project financial projections; analyze results against forecasts.
• Review, analyze, and report financial statements to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for client leadership and boards.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to evaluate financial performance
• Manage relationships with external partners (e.g., CPAs, attorneys, insurance brokers, benefits administrators).
• Lead external audits, including first-time audits, in collaboration with CPA firms.
• Oversee tax strategy, compliance, and annual tax preparation (with external partners).
• Implement software and systems to scale and improve financial operations.
• Develop and implement accounting policies aligned with relevant GAAP standards.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Controller or equivalent senior accounting role.
• 15+ years of GAAP accounting experience.
• Knowledge of revenue recognition standards (ASC 606).
• Knowledge of lease accounting standards (ASC 842)
• Understanding of R&D expense treatment for GAAP and tax, sales tax, and investment tax credits (ITC).
• Comfortable using cloud-based accounting tools like QBO, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, BILL, and various payroll platforms.
• CPA preferred (active or inactive).
• Experience in hardware, manufacturing and product life cycle, is a plus, but not required.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulatory compliance, including compliance with DOE, DOD, NSF, or SBIR grants, is a plus.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across teams and clients.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to simplify complex financial concepts for non-financial stakeholders.
• Effective multitasker with strong problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Discretion and commitment to confidentiality.
• Proven ability to set up and maintain accounting systems.
• Solid technical accounting knowledge grounded in GAAP.

At ecoCFO, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. Come join us and help us build a company where we're all proud to belong. Must be able to pass a criminal background and credit check. ecoCFO uses E-verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.