Controller

Avalanche is a Seattle-based start-up developing microfusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation at a scale you can hold in your hands. Our unique approach allows us to build, test, break, learn, and iterate on machines in days to weeks. The modular design is intended to power applications ranging from austere environments to deep-sea vehicles, maritime transport, and lunar infrastructure.

We know we have an incredibly ambitious mission, and it requires a rare combination of skill, creativity, and grit to make it real. If you have a passion for abundant energy and how it can improve life on Earth and beyond, we’d love to talk.

Avalanche might be a fit for you if:

• You enjoy building accounting systems from the ground up in a fast-moving, engineering-heavy environment.
• You’re a builder who delivers structure, accuracy, and clarity — and you can thrive amid rapid growth and evolving processes.
• You are energized by problem-solving across AP, payroll, cost accounting, and close operations.
• You want to design systems that are audit-ready, scalable, and compliant from day one.
• You are comfortable partnering closely with R&D, Operations, People, and Finance teams.

About the role:

Avalanche Energy is seeking a Controller to build and own a GAAP-compliant, audit-ready accounting function that supports the company’s growth, technical complexity, and future manufacturing scale-up. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for all accounting operations, including the monthly close, internal controls, financial reporting, payroll accounting, AP/AR oversight, fixed assets, inventory accounting, and general ledger integrity.

You will be an individual contributor to start, with full ownership of the accounting function and a strong mandate to maximize automation and systems efficiency. You will own the company’s ERP implementation and ensure that accounting systems are integrated effectively with procurement, payroll, HRIS, and future operational systems. You will also serve as the primary steward of FAR/DCAA-compliant accounting practices, ensuring the company’s cost structure, timekeeping data, and indirect rate methodologies meet government requirements.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, systems-focused accounting leader who enjoys building structure in a technical, R&D-driven environment.

In this role, you will lead:

Core Accounting Operations & Close Management

• Own all accounting operations, including monthly/quarterly close, financial reporting, and GL integrity.
• Maintain compliant, well-documented accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Oversee AP, AR, payroll accounting, treasury operations, fixed assets, and inventory accounting.
• Ensure accurate labor and payroll accounting that supports cost allocation, indirect rate modeling, and grant/contract reporting.

Governance, Controls & Compliance

• Maintain a strong internal control environment aligned with GAAP.
• Ensure timekeeping data, labor charging, and cost allocations meet federal grant and contract compliance expectations.
• Lead audit preparation, support external auditors, and maintain audit-ready documentation.
• Oversee FAR/DCAA-compliant accounting methodologies, indirect rate structures, and required documentation.

Systems Leadership & ERP Ownership

• Own and optimize Avalanche’s ERP implementation.
• Drive integrations across procurement, payroll, HRIS, and financial planning systems.
• Build scalable accounting workflows that support future manufacturing and operational growth.
• Ensure financial systems provide accurate cost visibility across engineering, supply chain, and operations.

Cost Accounting, Grants & Program Support

• Develop cost accounting processes that support R&D, prototyping, and future production.
• Create and maintain reliable costing methodologies for program reporting, grant submissions, and compliance.
• Partner with FP&A to ensure alignment between actuals, forecasts, and cost structures.
• Provide accounting insights that support technical program planning and resource allocation.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closely with People on payroll accuracy, labor compliance, and timekeeping policies.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering on cost structure visibility and inventory practices.
• Support Finance leadership with accurate data for planning, modeling, and investor reporting.
• Contribute to building a culture of operational and financial discipline across the organization.

About you:

• 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership of accounting teams.
• You have deep experience with GAAP, internal controls, audits, and close management.
• Strong understanding of FAR, DCAA, indirect rates, and federal grant/contract compliance.
• Experience owning payroll accounting and integrating timekeeping data into labor cost structures.
• Experience implementing or re-architecting ERP systems and associated financial workflows.
• Comfortable building accounting processes in early-stage or scaling environments.
• Strong communicator who can partner across engineering, operations, and People teams.
• Hands-on and detail-oriented, with a bias toward building systems that scale.

Bonus skills & experience:

• Experience in hardware, aerospace, energy, or manufacturing environments.
• Background supporting federal grant submissions, cost proposals, or incurred cost reporting.
• You have a CPA
• Prior experience in R&D-heavy organizations with complex cost structures.
• Experience operating in regulated or government-audited environments.

Benefits:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 10 paid holidays company-wide December break
• Generous vacation and sick time
• Small, tight-knit team with low barriers to action
• Exposure to a wide variety of challenges for unparalleled hands-on growth
• Well-stocked kitchen and regular team events
• Meaningful equity in the form of stock options

Avalanche values people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, and sexual orientations. We also acknowledge the value that different life experiences bring to our organization. Avalanche is an equal opportunity employer, and you do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. We encourage all individuals who are excited about delivering fusion energy to the world to apply.