Avalanche is a Seattle-based deep-tech company developing microfusion machines for clean, energy-dense power generation at a scale you can hold in your hands. Our unique approach allows us to build, test, break, learn, and iterate on machines in days to weeks. The modular design is intended to power applications ranging from austere environments to deep-sea vehicles, maritime transport, and space-based infrastructure.

We know we have an incredibly ambitious mission, and it requires a rare combination of skill, creativity, and grit to make it real. If you have a passion for abundant energy and how it can improve life on Earth and beyond, we'd love to talk.

Avalanche might be a fit for you if:

• You're coming from corporate accounting or Big 4 audit with exposure to rigorous compliance frameworks — you understand what makes controls and audit processes work in practice, not just in theory.
• You're ready to build, not advise. You've spent 5-10 years learning the rules, and now you want to design systems from the ground up.
• You're hungry to experiment with new tools and AI agents to automate workflows, and you're not looking for a job where everything is already figured out.
• You thrive in technical, R&D-heavy environments. You're excited to tackle inventory accounting, cost structures, manufacturing scale-up, and the complexity that comes with building hardware.
• You want ownership and impact. This isn't a role where you follow a playbook — it's an opportunity to shape the company's financial foundation.

About the role:

Avalanche Energy is seeking a Director of Accounting to build and own a GAAP-compliant, audit-ready accounting function that supports the company's growth, technical complexity, and ambitious trajectory. This is a hands-on role with full ownership of the accounting function and a strong mandate to maximize automation, optimize systems, and establish institutional-grade financial infrastructure.

You'll inherit an ERP implementation that's currently mid-deployment. Your job is to understand it deeply, optimize it, evaluate how it will scale with us. You'll also integrate accounting systems with procurement, payroll, HRIS, and future operational platforms.

You will also serve as the primary steward of FAR/DCAA-compliant accounting practices. While this may be new to you, you'll have the opportunity to learn these frameworks and ensure the company's cost structure, timekeeping data, and indirect rate methodologies meet government requirements.

This role is ideal for someone who earned their technical chops at a Big 4 firm or in corporate accounting with exposure to external audit and compliance frameworks, has a CPA, and is now ready to apply that foundation in a high-growth, high-autonomy startup environment.

In this role, you will lead:

Core Accounting Operations & Close Management

• Own all accounting operations, including monthly/quarterly close, financial reporting, and GL integrity.
• Maintain compliant, well-documented accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Manage AP, AR, payroll accounting, treasury operations, fixed assets, and inventory accounting.
• Ensure accurate labor and payroll accounting that supports cost allocation, indirect rate modeling, and grant/contract reporting.

Governance, Controls & Audit Readiness

• Design and implement a robust internal control framework from the ground up — process documentation, control design, testing protocols, and remediation workflows.
• Build systems and processes that meet rigorous external audit standards and work closely with auditors during quarterly reviews and year-end audits.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and ensure timekeeping data, labor charging, and cost allocations meet federal grant and contract compliance expectations (FAR/DCAA).

Systems Leadership & Technology Strategy

• Own optimization of Avalanche's current ERP and drive integrations across procurement, payroll, HRIS, and financial planning systems.
• Build scalable accounting workflows using AI agents and modern automation tools to accomplish what would traditionally require a larger team.
• Be willing to take measured risks on newer tools with better automation capabilities rather than defaulting to legacy systems.

Cost Accounting, Manufacturing & Program Support

• Develop cost accounting processes that support R&D, prototyping, manufacturing, and inventory management.
• Create and maintain reliable costing methodologies for program reporting, grant submissions, and compliance.
• Partner with FP&A to ensure alignment between actuals, forecasts, and cost structures.
• Provide accounting insights that support technical program planning and resource allocation.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closely with People on payroll accuracy, labor compliance, and timekeeping policies.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering on cost structure visibility and inventory practices.
• Support Finance leadership with accurate data for planning, modeling, and investor reporting.
• Contribute to building a culture of operational and financial discipline across the organization.

About you:

Must-haves:

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with exposure to rigorous audit and compliance frameworks.
• CPA credential
• Hands-on experience with external audits under PCAOB standards, either as an auditor at a leading audit firm or client-side position with leadership supporting audits.
• Deep understanding of internal control frameworks — how to design controls, document processes, and prepare for audit.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and experience managing month-end close, financial reporting, and GL operations.
• Experience with manufacturing, inventory accounting, R&D cost structures, or hardware companies.
• A builder mindset — you're excited to design systems from scratch, experiment with new tools, and leverage automation.

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience with FAR/DCAA compliance, indirect rates, or federal grant/contract accounting.
• Experience implementing or re-architecting ERP systems and driving systems integrations.
• Familiarity with AI agents, automation tools, or modern finance technology stacks.
• Background in aerospace, energy, hardware, or highly technical industries.

Benefits:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 10 paid holidays + company-wide December break
• Generous vacation and sick time
• Small, tight-knit team with low barriers to action
• Exposure to a wide variety of challenges for unparalleled hands-on growth
• Well-stocked kitchen and regular team events
• Meaningful equity in the form of stock options

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Avalanche values people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives. You do not need to meet every listed qualification to apply. If you're excited about delivering fusion energy to the world, we encourage you to apply.