Climate Startup Accounting Lead — Hybrid Denver

Elephantenergy; Colorado; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Elephant Energy, a Denver hybrid company, is hiring an Accounting Manager to oversee daily accounting operations and the monthly close. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will bring public accounting experience from a startup environment, manage GL, and build our in-house accounting function with modern tools.

The role requires in-person work in Denver, CO; we operate as a hybrid team with quarterly team gatherings.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of public accounting experience.
• 1–2 years of experience at a venture-backed startup.
• CPA (or actively pursuing) preferred.
• Hands-on experience with QuickBooks and Ramp, or comparable GL and spend-management tools.
• Comfort using AI tools (Claude, Coefficient) to streamline accounting workflows.
• Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and month-end close processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and build processes in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process end-to-end, closing the books by the 15th of each month.
• Prepare, review, and analyze journal entries, financial statements, and supporting schedules to ensure accuracy and GAAP compliance.
• Manage general ledger accounting and maintain the integrity of the chart of accounts.
• Build Elephant Energy's in-house accounting function from the ground up — processes, controls, and documentation.
• Recommend and lead a detailed overhaul of existing accounting processes and internal controls.
• Own the day-to-day accounting tech stack (QuickBooks, Ramp) and identify opportunities to automate reporting and reconciliation using AI tools.
• Prepare audit-ready financials and manage the year-end audit process, including managing auditor requests.
• Take ownership of day-to-day activities (e.g. AP and payroll processing) from the Head of Finance.
• Partner cross-functionally with other internal teams to improve financial visibility and communication across the business.
• As the accounting function grows, build toward leading and developing an internal accounting team.

Skills

Public accounting

Startup experience

CPA (pursuing)

QuickBooks

Ramp

AI tools

Excel/Google Sheets

GAAP knowledge

Month-end close

Tools

Gl & spend-management tools

Job description

Elephant Energy, a Denver hybrid company, is hiring an Accounting Manager to oversee daily accounting operations and the monthly close. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will bring public accounting experience from a startup environment, manage GL, and build our in-house accounting function with modern tools.

The role requires in-person work in Denver, CO; we operate as a hybrid team with quarterly team gatherings.