Associate - Accounting

Thea Energy
Thea Energy

Accounting & Finance

Kearny, NJ, USA

USD 120k-145k / year + Equity

Posted on May 12, 2026

Key Responsibility Areas:

  • Own the corporate accounting function and complete timely, accurate month-end and year-end financial closes.
  • Architect and oversee the end-to-end procurement process, from vendor onboarding and purchase order (PO) management to the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable.
  • Lead the implementation of a scalable financial infrastructure (ERP/Procurement tools) built on robust systems and processes.
  • Prepare comprehensive financial statements, manage accounting data feeding business insights, and assist in preparing board decks and investor reporting materials.
  • Collaborate with FP&A to conduct variance analysis, understand spend velocity, and prepare quarterly and annual cash forecasts.
  • Lead grant and debt administration, ensuring adherence to compliance requirements, including reporting and the preparation of reimbursement requests for government or private funding.
  • Maintain the fixed asset register to track R&D capital expenditures.
  • Ensure GAAP compliance and audit readiness, and coordinate with external partners to manage federal, state, and local tax filings.
  • Oversee internal controls to mitigate financial risk and develop standard operating procedures for all accounting and procurement workflows.
  • Lead the preparation and documentation for Federal and State R&D tax credits; collaborate with engineering teams to capture qualifying activities and costs to maximize tax incentives.
  • Oversee multi-state sales and use tax compliance and manage exemption certificates for R&D-related purchases.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets

  • 5+ years of corporate accounting experience with a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA preferred).
  • Strong background in general ledger management and financial reporting, with a deep understanding of GAAP compliance and audit readiness (experience in a hard-tech, manufacturing, or engineering environments is ideal).
  • Advanced proficiency in accounting software/ERPs and Excel to support the financial close, data analysis, and reporting.
  • Familiarity with procurement software and the integration of PO systems with the general ledger.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams to support FP&A activities.
  • Proven experience documenting and preparing R&D tax credit claims, including labor allocation and qualifying research expenses (QREs).
  • Proven organizational skills to effectively oversee internal controls and document standard operating procedures.
  • A track record of thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment, demonstrating an exceptional work ethic, and the ability to take initiative.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Company Benefits

  • Salary range $120,000-$145,000
  • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
  • Employee equity stock options
  • 20 days PTO