Controller

Heelstone Renewable Energy; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Office 4 days/week with one WFH day

Competitive bonus program

401(k) company match

Job summary

Heelstone Renewable Energy in Durham, NC seeks a Controller to lead accounting and FP&A functions, delivering monthly closes, consolidated reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and liquidity management. This full-time role partners with executive leadership to provide timely financial information and ensure GAAP compliance across Heelstone and project entities.

The position requires a Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance, 7+ years of experience with at least 3 in a supervisory role, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business; CPA strongly preferred; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including ≥3 years in supervision; renewable energy experience preferred.
• Experience managing accounting for multiple legal entities, intercompany accounting and consolidations; FP&A experience and budgeting is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting and FP&A teams; set priorities and conduct performance reviews.
• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close across entities with intercompany transactions.
• Prepare financial statements and reports for audit, tax, banking, lenders, and investors.

Skills

Advanced Excel modeling

GAAP accounting

Financial analysis

Leadership

Cash flow management

Intercompany accounting

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Master's (preferred)

Tools

Sage Intacct

Stampli

FloQast

Job description

POSITION: Controller

WHO WE ARE:

Heelstone Renewable Energy is a utility-scale solar, wind, and storage developer headquartered in Durham, NC, with expertise in developing, originating, financing, constructing, and operating solar photovoltaic, wind, and storage projects. Heelstone’s strategy includes greenfield development, co-development, and acquisitions of later-stage projects. Heelstone has developed and achieved commercial operation on over 80 solar projects with an aggregate generating capacity of approximately 1.2 GW. Heelstone has partnered with Qualitas Energy to fund its development platform as it continues to grow into a world-class Independent Power Producer. For more information, visit www.heelstoneenergy.com.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Controller will play a pivotal role in maintaining the financial health of the company. This position leads the accounting and FP&A functions and is responsible for all company accounting practices across Heelstone and its affiliated project entities, including the monthly close, consolidated financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, liquidity management, tax, and audit. The Controller partners closely with executive leadership to deliver timely, accurate financial information that supports strategic decision-making. This is a full-time position located in Durham, North Carolina.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and FP&A team, set priorities, delegate work, and conduct performance reviews.
• Own the month-, quarter-, and year-end close process across multiple legal entities, including intercompany transactions, eliminations, and consolidated financial statements.
• Prepare and review financial statements and accounting reports for internal use, audit, tax, banking, lender, and investor requirements.
• Work closely with executive leadership to prepare the annual budget, rolling forecasts, and liquidity and cash flow files, and present results, key variances, and recommendations.
• Oversee the FP&A function, including budget-to-actual variance analysis, financial modeling, and KPI reporting at the company, portfolio, and project levels.
• Manage cash and liquidity, including cash forecasting and treasury activities, and monitor debt covenant compliance and lender and tax equity reporting requirements.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Manage the annual audit process and serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Responsible for tax payments and filings; coordinate with outside tax advisors on federal, state, and local returns, including partnership returns.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP accounting and reporting, and State and Federal rules and laws, and support any internal department requiring additional knowledge of the accounting department's function.
• Establish, maintain, and document internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures.
• Oversee accounting for project development and construction costs, capitalization, fixed assets, and depreciation.
• Drive continuous improvement of accounting systems, processes, and reporting tools, including the ERP system.
• Prepare and review materials and presentations for executive leaders and the Board.
• Prepare ad hoc reporting and analysis under tight deadlines.
• Provide backup coverage for accounting and payroll functions as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Highly proficient in MS Office, including Word, Excel (advanced modeling), and PowerPoint
• Experience with Sage Intacct, Stampli, and FloQast is a plus
• Exceptional analytical capabilities and attention to detail
• Self-starter who operates well in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment
• Strong sense of accountability, taking ownership of projects and responsibilities and resolving issues proactively.
• Ability to work concurrently on a variety of projects, prioritize efforts and work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain financial results to non-financial audiences
• Strong organization and management skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team

EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business. CPA strongly preferred; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role; renewable energy experience preferred.
• Experience managing the accounting for multiple legal entities, including intercompany accounting and consolidations.
• FP&A experience, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with executive leadership to produce liquidity, cash flow, and budget files.
• Proven team leadership experience, including hiring, training, and developing staff.
• Public accounting experience is a plus.
• Proficient knowledge of GAAP and financial software, including ERP systems.
• Experience and understanding of the North American power market.
• Familiarity with energy financing structures, such as project finance debt and tax equity.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Total Rewards Package

We have an office-based schedule of 4 days in the office (M-Th) and one work-from-home day. Our attractive compensation package offers:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Generous Bonus Program
• 401(K) company match with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Company-sponsored HRA, employee-funded FSA, and DCA available
• EAP Benefits
• Company paid Long and Short-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
• Cell Phone Reimbursement Plan
• Flexible Paid Time Off and allotted Sick Time
• 12 Paid Holidays

In addition to the compensation package, we also boast robust perks which include:

• Provided Setup of at-home Tech
• Company-paid downtown Durham Parking next to the Durham Bulls Stadium
• Free access to our building’s state-of-the-art gym
• Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and drinks
• Discount program for popular locations and services
• Amazing rooftop views of Downtown Durham

A note to recruiters:

The Heelstone team does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies. The Human Resources team coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company. We do not accept resumes from third-party recruiters unless authorized by the Human Resources team and if a signed agreement is in place.