Energy Controller

Ports North; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Ports North is seeking an experienced Interim Energy Controller to lead the finance function as the first dedicated finance professional. The role reports to shareholders and executive leadership, partnering with operations to design and implement core financial processes, controls, and reporting.

The candidate will build the finance function from scratch, establish policies and controls, and oversee day-to-day financial operations to position the company for rapid scale in the energy and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience.
• Proven track record building or scaling finance functions in startups/early-stage companies.
• Experience serving as Controller, Interim Controller, Head of Finance, or similar leader.
• Hands-on accounting and operational finance expertise.
• Experience implementing accounting systems, controls, and processes from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Build and establish the finance function as the first dedicated finance professional.
• Design and implement accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Establish governance and reporting frameworks for a growing business.
• Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting processes and packages.
• Manage general ledger, month-end close, reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Support treasury, cash management, and investor/lender interactions.
• Oversee procure-to-pay, billing, and vendor management processes.
• Evaluate and implement core finance technology platforms; scale financial systems.

Skills

Accounting & Finance Leadership

Startup / Early-stage finance

GAAP expertise

Interim/Head of Finance

Finance systems implementation

Job description

Our client is a newly launched, venture-backed developer and owner of energy infrastructure assets, focused on long-duration energy storage solutions. Having recently commenced operations, the organization is seeking an experienced Interim Energy Controller to serve as its first finance leader and establish the financial foundation necessary to support rapid growth.

This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on finance professional who thrives in entrepreneurial environments and has experience building finance functions from scratch within startup, energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, or project development organizations.

The Interim Controller will partner closely with shareholders, executive leadership, and operational stakeholders to design, implement, and manage all core financial processes, systems, controls, and reporting capabilities. Following implementation, this individual will oversee day-to-day financial operations and help position the company for future scale.

Key Responsibilities

Build and Establish the Finance Function

• Serve as the organization's first dedicated finance professional.
• Develop the overall accounting and finance infrastructure for a newly formed company.
• Design and implement accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Establish financial governance and reporting frameworks appropriate for a growing business.

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Build and maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting processes.
• Manage general ledger, month-end close, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develop management reporting packages for shareholders and executive leadership.

Treasury, Banking & Cash Management

• Establish banking relationships and treasury operations.
• Develop cash management and liquidity reporting processes.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital requirements.
• Support funding activities and interactions with investors or lenders as needed.

Procure-to-Pay & Billing Operations

• Implement vendor onboarding, procurement, and accounts payable processes.
• Establish billing and invoicing capabilities.
• Create processes to support project-related expenditures and vendor management.
• Develop workflows that ensure proper approvals and financial controls.

Systems & Infrastructure

• Evaluate, select, and implement core finance and accounting technology platforms.
• Build scalable financial systems and reporting capabilities.
• Partner with external service providers where appropriate to support operations.

Strategic Partnership

• Collaborate closely with shareholders and senior leadership on financial planning and operational decision-making.
• Provide financial insights to support growth initiatives, project development activities, and capital deployment decisions.
• Help establish scalable processes capable of supporting future organizational expansion.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience.
• Proven success building or significantly scaling finance functions within startup or early-stage companies.
• Prior experience serving as a Controller, Interim Controller, Head of Finance, or similar leadership role.
• Strong hands-on accounting and operational finance expertise.
• Experience implementing accounting systems, controls, and financial processes from the ground up.
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining highly execution-oriented.
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.