Senior Accounting Manager / Hands-On Controller

XL Batteries; Marlborough (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

XL Batteries seeks a Senior Accounting Manager / Hands-On Controller to own end-to-end accounting operations in a fast-growing venture-backed environment. You will manage general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, and oversee ASC 606 revenue recognition, financial reporting, audits, and tax strategy.

The role blends hands-on daily accounting with strategic oversight, requiring strong GAAP expertise, scalable processes, and the ability to communicate insights to executives and investors while working in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field.
• 7–10+ years of progressive corporate finance/accounting experience, with preference for public audit, Controller roles, or venture-backed startups.
• Deep expertise in GAAP, ASC 606, inventory/WIP accounting, job costing, and equity accounting (SAFEs, convertible notes).
• Proficiency with cloud accounting tools (QuickBooks Online, BILL, Gusto, Ramp, Expensify), advanced Excel, and collaboration tools (Slack, Google Workspace).
• Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and remotely.

Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy, Controls & Compliance: GAAP oversight, internal controls, policies, scalable processes.
• ASC 606 Implementation: design and oversee revenue policy, contract-level modeling.
• Audit & Tax Management: lead external audits, manage documentation, tax strategy.
• Compliance & Governance: manage lender/investor/federal grant compliance, insurance reviews.
• Equity & Cap Table: maintain equity accounting for SAFEs and convertible notes.

Skills

GAAP

ASC 606

Inventory/WIP accounting

Job costing

Equity accounting

Advanced Excel

Communication

Time management

Problem-solving

Remote work capability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

QuickBooks Online

BILL

Gusto

Ramp

Expensify

Excel

Slack

Google Workspace

Job description

Senior Accounting Manager / Hands-On Controller

Position Overview

We are seeking an energetic, detail-oriented, and self-motivated Senior Accounting Manager / Controller to own our end-to-end accounting operations and financial management. This role is a hybrid of tactical execution and strategic oversight: you will handle day-to-day general ledger bookkeeping, AP/AR, and payroll, while also managing ASC 606 revenue recognition, financial reporting, external audits, and tax strategy.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced growth environment, can seamlessly switch from daily operational accounting to executive-level reporting, and has proven experience establishing accounting systems for venture-backed startup companies.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy, Controls & Compliance
  • Accounting & GAAP Oversight: Enforce technical GAAP compliance, establish internal controls, design finance policies, and set up scalable accounting processes.
  • ASC 606 Implementation: Oversee revenue recognition policy design and execution, including contract-level revenue modeling.
  • Audit & Tax Management: Lead external annual audits with CPA firms, manage documentation readiness, and oversee annual tax strategy and compliance.
  • Compliance & Governance: Manage lender, investor, and federal grant compliance. Evaluate corporate insurance policies and ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Equity & Cap Table Support: Maintain equity accounting, including convertible notes and SAFEs.
• Financial Analysis & Strategic Reporting
  • Financial Reporting: Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management dashboards, and board/investor reporting packages.
  • Cost Control & KPIs: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze performance trends, and perform cost control analysis on payroll, operating expenses, and COGS.
  • Specialized Accounting: Oversee inventory/WIP reporting, job and project cost accounting, and COGS analysis.

• Daily Accounting & Full-Cycle Operations
  • General Ledger & Bookkeeping: Manage full-cycle bookkeeping, maintain and balance subsidiary accounts, post transactions, and prepare accruals on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis.
  • AP / AR / Payroll: Execute full-cycle Accounts Payable (including check run control), Accounts Receivable, and process/approve payroll on schedule.
  • Reconciliations & Assets: Perform bank, credit card, and subsidiary account reconciliations; set up and maintain fixed asset schedules.
  • Systems & Software: Implement, maintain, and leverage cloud-based finance and ERP software to improve team efficiency.
  • Vendor & Partner Management: Coordinate with outside attorneys, accountants, lenders, tax preparers, and benefits administrators.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field.
• Experience: 7–10+ years of progressive corporate finance/accounting experience, with strong preference given to experience in public audit, a Controller role, or early-stage/venture-backed startups.
• Technical Skills: Deep expertise in GAAP, ASC 606, inventory/WIP accounting, job costing, and equity accounting (SAFEs, convertible notes). Proficiency with cloud accounting tools (QuickBooks Online, BILL, Gusto, Ramp, Expensify), advanced Excel, and modern collaboration tools (Slack, Google Workspace).
• Soft Skills & Attributes: Meticulous attention to detail with exceptional time management and problem-solving skills in high-growth environments. Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for stakeholders. Ability to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision.
• Preferred / Plus Factors
  • Industry Experience: Experience in high-tech, battery, or manufacturing industries.
  • Grant Compliance: Experience with Federal Grant Compliance.