VP Controller

Harmonic Executive; Louisiana (MO); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading clean energy company in Louisiana is seeking a VP Controller to establish a comprehensive accounting function from scratch. The role involves integrating international operations and ensuring compliance as the business transitions from R&D to major growth stages. Candidates should have extensive experience in tech manufacturing and strong leadership skills to build high-performing teams. This position offers a competitive salary between $250,000 and $350,000, plus share options., fostering an inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to establish a global accounting function for high-growth manufacturing.
• Experience overseeing complex multi-entity operations with international compliance.
• Strong leadership skills to recruit and mentor high-performing finance teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish the global accounting function from the ground up.
• Develop and implement a robust cost accounting framework.
• Lead the integration of international entities under US GAAP.
• Oversee the month-end close process to IPO-ready standards.
• Implement a global ERP system across functions.

Skills

Experience establishing or running a complex international accounting function in a Tech business

Deep understanding of manufacturing and cost accounting

Significant international Controllership experience

Excellent communication skills

High level of commercial acumen

Job description

Are you a VP Controller looking to build a world-class finance function from the ground up within a clean energy business?

Harmonic are proud to have been retained by a rapidly scaling VC-backed clean energy company at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technology. The business has recently completed a $150m Series A and is transitioning from R&D into power generation in 2026.

Having raised with three of world’s leading Deeptech/ Hardtech VC investors they are the first nuclear start-up to split the atom and have done so in only 18 months since Founding and at a fraction of the capital raised.

They are tackling one of the most consequential challenges facing the global economy: how to deliver reliable, carbon-free power at the scale required to support electrification, AI-driven compute demand, industrial reshoring, and national security. Their technology is focused on fundamentally rethinking how nuclear systems are designed, built, and deployed by prioritizing manufacturability, speed, and cost reduction without compromising safety.

The company is led by an exceptionally high-caliber founding and executive team, combining deep nuclear engineering expertise with operators who have scaled complex, regulated technologies before (SpaceX, Tesla and other leading Deeptech success stories).

LA

With a bold ambition to redefine the future of clean, reliable power, this rapidly scaling clean energy start-up is entering a pivotal phase of growth. Backed by world-leading Deeptech investors, a best-in-class executive team, and breakthrough technology already proven at unprecedented speed, the business is now laying the financial and operational foundations to support global expansion, large-scale manufacturing, and an IPO-ready future

The Role

The business is entering a critical phase of growth as they build out the corporate and operational foundations alongside the rapidly developing technical programs. Following the recent hire of an exceptional CFO with experience raising billions in capital they are looking to hire a VP Controller that will own the build out of the entire Controllership function covering Accounting, Controls, Tax, Treasury, Cost Accounting and Government Accounting. Establishing a world class Controllership function implementing international processes to an IPO read level the VP Controller will be key to shaping the business during a rapid growth phase.

This position really is a true blank slate as the business is set to scale incredibly quickly. The VP Controller will build a team from the ground up and support the setup of international entities and manufacturing operations

Responsibilities:

• Establish the global accounting function from the ground up, designing scalable processes and controls suitable for a high-growth, multi-entity manufacturing business.
• Develop and implement a robust cost accounting framework to support complex manufacturing operations, product costing, and margin analysis.
• Lead the setup and integration of international entities, managing cross-border accounting, statutory reporting, and consolidation under US GAAP.
• Partner with external advisors for country-specific tax, regulatory, and accounting guidance; ensure global compliance and efficient tax structuring.
• Build and manage the full month-end close process to IPO-ready standards, including internal controls, financial reporting, and audit preparation.
• Provide technical accounting oversight and implement new guidance as the company evolves through R&D, production, and commercialization stages.
• Oversee government accounting compliance, including adherence to federal contracting standards and audit requirements.
• Lead the selection and implementation of a global ERP system, ensuring seamless integration across functions and geographies.
• Recruit, mentor, and scale a high-performing accounting and finance team capable of supporting a complex international manufacturing footprint.

Skills

What We Need:

• Experience establishing or running a complex international accounting function in a Tech business (this can include AI, Deeptech, Manufacturing, Robotics, Defense, Biotech, Climate Tech and Green Energy, SaaS, Fintech)
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and cost accounting
• Significant international Controllership experience
• Excellent communication skills
• High level of commercial acumen

What We’d Love to See (Non-Essential):

• Experience dealing with government contracts
• Experience in R&D heavy environments that have transitioned to large scale manufacturing
• Experience in a high growth VC or PE backed environment
• Built and established large international Accounting teams
• Established new ERP processes or led significant Finance transformation

Package

Salary: $250,000 to $350,000 + share options

Start Date: ASAP

Location: LA (ideally in office but option for hybrid)

Please get in touch with Fin at [e-mail] for more information.

Please feel free to circulate with any friends or contacts that may be interested.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

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