Director or Senior Director, Technical Accounting

Altitude Search Group; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Altitude Search Group is partnering with a rapidly scaling renewable energy company to recruit a Director/Senior Director, Technical Accounting. This role leads the technical accounting function, advising Finance, Legal, Commercial, Operations, and executive leadership, shaping policy and documentation for complex transactions.

The ideal candidate brings 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, deep US GAAP knowledge, and a proven track record with asset-intensive projects and complex

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant technical accounting, financial reporting, or accounting advisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience researching complex accounting conclusions.
• Experience with complex commercial contracts.
• Experience in energy, infrastructure, utilities, renewable energy, industrial, technology, or other asset-intensive sectors strongly preferred.
• Experience with a Big Four or national accounting firm, combined with meaningful industry experience, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment with evolving processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Technical Accounting & Policy — Lead the evaluation, research, and resolution of complex accounting matters under U.S. GAAP, including emerging issues and transactions unique to the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Complex Contracts & Commercial Arrangements — Lead accounting assessments for significant customer, supplier, development, construction, and financing contracts, including VIEs, revenue recognition, lease accounting, embedded leases, derivatives, and variable consideration.
• Energy & Project Accounting — Advise on accounting matters tied to project development, construction, and operation of energy assets, including capitalization, asset classification, impairment, and abandonment obligations.
• Financial Reporting — Support accurate and timely financial statements and disclosures, including footnote disclosures. Partner with external auditors to resolve complex matters.
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership — Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on accounting implications of strategic decisions.

Skills

US GAAP knowledge

Technical accounting

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA

Job description

Director / Senior Director, Technical Accounting

Our client is looking for a Director / Sr. Director, Technical Accounting to lead the company's technical accounting function in a rapidly scaling and highly complex renewable energy environment. This role will serve as a strategic accounting advisor to Finance, Legal, Commercial, Operations, and executive leadership, with responsibility for evaluating and documenting complex transactions and contracts as the company expands. The ideal candidate brings deep technical accounting expertise, strong judgment, and experience operating in an environment characterized by complex commercial contracts, long-term customer and supplier arrangements, project development, capital-intensive activities, and significant growth. This is a highly visible leadership position with significant exposure to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Reports To: Chief Accounting Officer

Company Stage: Series E

Key Responsibilities

Technical Accounting & Policy — Lead the evaluation, research, and resolution of complex accounting matters under U.S. GAAP, including emerging issues and transactions unique to the energy and infrastructure sectors. Develop and maintain the company's technical accounting policies, positions, and interpretive guidance. Prepare and review technical accounting memoranda for significant and complex transactions. Monitor FASB, SEC, PCAOB, and other standard-setting developments. Establish a scalable technical accounting framework as the company grows.

Complex Contracts & Commercial Arrangements — Lead accounting assessments for significant customer, supplier, development, construction, and financing contracts, including VIEs, revenue recognition, lease accounting, embedded leases, derivatives, and variable consideration. Partner with Legal and Commercial teams during contract negotiation to influence structure early.

Energy & Project Accounting — Advise on accounting matters tied to project development, construction, and operation of energy assets, including capitalization, asset classification, impairment, and abandonment obligations. Support accounting conclusions on joint ventures, partnerships, and investments.

Financial Reporting — Support accurate and timely financial statements and disclosures, including footnote disclosures. Partner with external auditors to resolve complex matters. Help build the technical accounting infrastructure needed for future public-company readiness.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership — Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on accounting implications of strategic decisions. Lead and develop a high-performing technical accounting team as the organization scales.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required. 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant technical accounting, financial reporting, or accounting advisory experience. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and experience researching complex accounting conclusions. Experience with complex commercial contracts. Experience in energy, infrastructure, utilities, renewable energy, industrial, technology, or other asset-intensive sectors strongly preferred. Experience with a Big Four or national accounting firm, combined with meaningful industry experience, preferred. Demonstrated ability to operate in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment with evolving processes. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.