Job description
Geothermal energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world. There is 2,300 times more energy in geothermal heat in the ground than in oil, gas, coal, and methane combined. However, historically it's been hard to find and expensive to develop. At Zanskar, we're using better technology to find and develop new geothermal resources in order to make geothermal a cheap and vital contributor to a carbon-free electrical grid.
As we scale, a rock-solid accounting function is critical. The Staff Accountant will ensure our books are accurate, timely, and audit-ready-providing the financial clarity that lets our scientists, engineers, and field teams focus on revolutionizing geothermal exploration.
Outcomes-- Within 6 months you will...
- Own the month-end close calendar, posting accurate journal entries and help with delivering consolidated financial statements.
- Prepare and reconcile all balance-sheet accounts (cash, fixed assets, prepaid, accruals, land leases, etc.)
- Manage the accounts payable inbox and daily cash matching in NetSuite.
- Support the controller in our year-end audit.
- Partner with FP&A to refine departmental budgets and provide variance analyses that drive cost control.
- Identify and automate repetitive workflows (e.g., invoice coding, bank rec matching, expense categorization) using AI-enabled tools, delivering measurable time savings and improved accuracy.
- Success means our leadership team always has clear, current financial insight and can confidently report to investors and regulators.
Competencies -- What we're looking for
- Fundamental accounting skills - At least 2 years of hands-on GL accounting experience (public or private), eager to learn and gain a stronger understanding of US GAAP, and the ability to research and resolve accounting issues independently. CPA or CPA candidates are strongly preferred.
- AI & automation fluency - Comfortable leveraging AI assistants (e.g., ChatGPT/Gemini) to draft, review, and validate work. Are eager to learn how to incorporate the latest AI tools to streamline processes.
- Extreme attention to detail - You spot the one-dollar out-of-balance entry before anyone else, and you won't rest until every reconciliation ties out.
- Process improvement mindset - You enjoy turning messy, manual spreadsheets into streamlined workflows (e.g., via NetSuite, Excel automations).
- Business partnering & communication - You can translate debits and credits into clear insights for scientists, project managers, and executives alike.
- Self-direction under fast change - Comfortable setting priorities, hitting deadlines, and asking for clarification in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
Location & Benefits
- The position is located in Salt Lake City, UT
- Paid holidays, and 18 days PTO
- Medical, dental & vision coverage
- 401k
- A direct impact in displacing carbon emissions, and growth opportunities in a growing startup environment
Equal Opportunity Employer
Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws.
Pay & benefits
Typical pay for similar roles
EstimateThe middle half of pay advertised on Rejobs for this group over the last 24 months. This employer has not stated a salary.
About this role
About Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals, Inc.
Company Overview
Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals, Inc.
HeadquartersSalt Lake City, United States
Founded2019
SizeApproximately 50 employees (source: linkedin.com). The company has raised approximately $65 million in equity by early 2024, with a total funding of at least $95 million, and holds $200 million in contracted future revenues expected to grow 10x in coming years (source: activate.org).
What They Do
Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals, Inc. specializes in next-generation geothermal energy, utilizing advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and big data to revolutionize geothermal discovery. The company was co-founded by Carl Hoiland and Joel Edwards, who aimed to address the stagnation in the geothermal industry by developing software models that analyze reservoir volume, rock density, and magnetic fields to forecast energy output. This innovative approach allows Zanskar to sell data as a "treasure map" to grid-scale developers, significantly reducing exploration risks and costs (source: xplorer.vc). Their services include AI-driven software for pinpointing geothermal prospects, real-time optimization tools for energy output, and comprehensive project development from discovery to operational plants (source: zanskar.com). Zanskar's target markets focus on utility-scale power for decarbonizing electricity grids, serving clients in intensive computing, electrification, and energy resilience (source: activate.org). The company has made more greenfield discoveries than the entire sector achieved in the previous decade, positioning itself as a leader in geothermal discovery (source: utahbusiness.com).
Projects & Track Record
One of Zanskar's notable achievements includes the acquisition of an operating geothermal power plant at the Lightning Dock geothermal field in New Mexico, which has been fully repowered by a new production well capable of over 200 Megawatts thermal (MWth) output, marking it as the most productive pumped geothermal well in the United States (source: activate.org). The company has successfully originated and de-risked a substantial portfolio of geothermal projects, with several projects currently online delivering firm, utility-scale power (source: zanskar.com). Ongoing projects include a pipeline of greenfield power developments across the western U.S., with dozens of sites already identified for gigawatt-scale power potential (source: activate.org). Zanskar has established contracts with key clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense, for energy resilience exploration, further solidifying its position in the geothermal market (source: utahbusiness.com).
Recent Developments
In May 2024, Zanskar successfully closed a $30 million funding round led by Obvious Ventures, with participation from several prominent investors, to scale AI exploration and accelerate technology development (source: thesaasnews.com). The company has also secured multiple contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense through the Defense Innovation Unit, showcasing its growing influence in the geothermal sector (source: activate.org). Zanskar's recent drilling success at Lightning Dock, New Mexico, with the 200+ MWth well, further highlights its operational capabilities and commitment to advancing geothermal energy solutions (source: utahbusiness.com). The company continues to build momentum with a small team, aiming for major commercial contracts within the next year post-2024 (source: activate.org).
Working There
Zanskar is actively hiring for various high-impact roles, likely spanning departments such as AI/machine learning, geoscience, field data collection, drilling operations, software development, and project development. The company emphasizes a small team dynamic that drives technological iteration and field programs (source: utahbusiness.com). Hiring is primarily centered at its Salt Lake City headquarters, with potential field-based opportunities tied to projects in the western U.S., particularly in New Mexico (source: linkedin.com). The company culture is described as fast-paced and barrier-breaking, where team members rapidly iterate models and collect unprecedented volumes of field data, contributing to discoveries that are both exciting and rewarding (source: utahbusiness.com). Specific benefits offered to employees are not documented in the available sources.
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