Controller (m/w/d)

Job Description

We are a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.

Since Helion's founding in 2013, we have raised over $1 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group and new investors SoftBank and Lightspeed to propel us forward. Our last prototype, Trenta, completed 10,000 high-power pulses and reached plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius (9 keV). Now, we're turning up operations for Polaris, working towards delivering the world's first fusion power plant.

More than ever, it's a pivotal time to join us and have the opportunity to solve real challenges to create a better energy future. You will see first-hand how we value urgency, rigor, ownership, and hard truths, knowing it will take each to do what no one has before. Joining us, you will push the boundaries of what's possible and transform humanity for the better - because the world can't wait.

What You Will Be Doing

As Helion’s Controller, you will report directly to our CFO at our headquarters in Everett, WA. We’re looking for someone detail-oriented to oversee accounting operations, manage our accounting team, and play a key role in Helion's month-end closing activities, ensuring we maintain high standards for timeliness, accuracy, and compliant financial reports. Your will lead statutory filings, audits, and finance partnerships. Furthermore, you’ll collaborate cross-functionally to shape Helion's budgeting and forecasting practices, financial modeling methods, corporate governance, and provide strategic financial insights to drive the company's success.

You Will

• Own our Accounting Operations
  • Oversee the preparation of timely and accurate financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and direct daily accounting operations including AP, payroll, treasury operations, and cash flow management
  • Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes including preparation of financial statements and coordinate our annual audit and tax reporting processes
  • Continuously review and improve our accounting processes and systems, identify opportunities for automation and efficiency, and shape and standardize our best practices as we grow and scale
• Lead and Represent our Accounting Team
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the accounting team to ensure high performance and productivity by setting goals, providing feedback, and fostering professional development
  • Foster a collaborative and efficient work environment that encourages continuous improvement in processes and workflows
  • Manage relationships with external vendors, such as auditors and tax advisors and present quarterly to the audit committee members on accounting and organization updates to ensure smooth and efficient audit processes
  • Develop insightful and robust financial reporting and commentary to Helion leadership.
• Champion Compliance and Controls
  • Ensure compliance, accuracy, and integrity of financial statements, data, and systems to uphold GAAP and all regulatory requirements and deadlines
  • Develop and document accounting procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls
  • Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the accuracy of financial records.
  • Oversee the preparation and submission of local statutory reports, audits, and tax filings in all relevant jurisdictions, while staying informed about evolving global financial regulations and policies, adjusting company processes as needed to maintain compliance

Required Skills

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field or equivalent experience
• 12+ years of experience in accounting or finance, with at least 3 years of people management, leading projects, and collaborating across multiple departments
• Experience managing complex financial operations, including revenue recognition, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Prior experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment within manufacturing, energy, or hardware technology industries
• Strong knowledge of technical accounting, GAAP, SOX compliance, ERP systems, and financial reporting software
• Experience managing relationships with external vendors, such as auditors and tax advisors

Total Compensation and Benefits

Helion's compensation package includes a competitively benchmarked base salary, meaningful equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Final compensation is determined through a holistic evaluation of your experience, qualifications, and our commitment to internal equity - ensuring fairness and transparency across our teams. We are committed to fostering a fair and equitable environment in every aspect of our operations, including compensation.

This is an exempt salaried role.

Annual Base Pay

$170,000 - $210,000 USD

Benefits

Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families
• 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)
• 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break
• Up to 5% employer 401(k) match
• Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
• Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
• Annual wellness stipend

NOTE: Underrepresented people are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the job's requirements. We believe in hiring people, not checklists, and encourage you to apply even if you do not check all of the boxes. If this job isn't the one, we have many other openings that may be a fit.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. If we reach out to you to begin an interview process, we will also ask if you require any reasonable accommodation at that time.