Senior Financial Controller

Senior Financial Controller - Renewable Energy

Location – Baltimore, MD (Hybrid)

Due to significant company growth, this is a new Senior Financial Controller within an industry leading renewable energy investment and project developer based in Baltimore, MD. This hybrid flexible position will offer the opportunity to join an established and highly reputable leadership team and play a critical leadership role across corporate accounting & finance department growth, accounting policy and compliance, corporate FP&A, project acquisitions, and strategic project finance. This position will report directly to the company’s President and will offer a comprehensive compensation package including a base salary in the $250,000 to $300,000 range, a competitive annual bonus plan, full benefits, excellent culture of work/life balance, and a structured career mobility track. Ideal candidates will have 10 plus years of professional experience with industry experience within the renewable energy sector, preferably in commercial solar project investment and development. Candidates must be able to work onsite on a hybrid basis at the companies corporate office based in Baltimore, MD.

Job Description

• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for overseeing teams across financial reporting, accounting operations, corporate FP&A, and strategic project finance.
• Supervise and provide guidance for corporate controller utilizing leadership experience in planning, directing, and coordinating all accounting operational functions in adherence with US GAAP standards in an entrepreneurial, high-growth company.
• Partner with other members of executive team in leading the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting process for corporate finance matters and solar development projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and revenue targets.
• Supervise staff responsible for accounting related operations including general ledger accounting, month end close, accounts payable and disbursements, accounts receivable and cash receipts, payroll accounting, and daily reconciliation of bank balances and procurement.
• Provide strategic guidance on accounting and finance department growth plans. Provide supervision, mentoring, and technical direction on new hire planning and department organization structures.
• Lead accounting department through various asset acquisitions and project acquisitions including financial close execution, purchase accounting, technical accounting assessments, organizational change management, and process integration.
• Build and maintain complex financial models to support project and corporate evaluations, pricing strategies, performance reporting, and investment decisions in the solar development sector.
• Provide guidance on structure tax equity investments for single and multi-project Investment Tax Credit and Production Tax Credit partnerships, including commercial scale solar and battery energy storage assets.
• Advise and lead the project accounting and structured finance teams on U.S. partnership tax concepts, including capital account and tax basis maintenance, tax equity structuring, and tax credit recapture risk.
• Responsible for overseeing GAAP financial reporting through successful completion of financial statement audits.
• Manage the accumulation and consolidation of all financial data necessary for an accurate accounting of consolidated business results
• Stay informed about Regulatory Compliance, industry regulations, incentives, and policies related to solar development, ensuring compliance and maximizing benefits for the organization.
• Oversee Controller and department staff responsible for preparation of all external financial reporting for lenders, joint venture partners and tax equity partners.
• Make necessary technical accounting decisions.
• Direct activities related to efficient cash collection and vendor payments and overall cash management and cash forecasting.
• Provide hands-on guidance over the preparation of monthly management reports and accompanying schedules, worksheets and narratives, including “Budget vs. Actual” variance reports. Assist in providing follow-up of significant variances.
• Collaborate with project finance teams and other cross-functional teams to evaluate the financial feasibility and ROI of new solar development projects. Provide recommendations on project viability, taking into account market dynamics, costs, and risks.
• Assist in the develop and management of key performance indicators (KPIs) for solar development projects, monitoring progress and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Coordinate with CFO and Controller to effectively manage cash.
• Consult with business operations to support objectives including budgets and monthly variance analysis, among other items.
• Review vendor contracts and agreements for appropriate accounting treatment and deal structure.
• Support the transactions of new assets and other initiatives.
• Working closely with the asset management team.
• Oversee the maintaining and updating fund income models.
• Prepares reporting requirements for third-party lenders/investors.

Job Qualifications

• 10 years of professional experience in accounting and finance to the leadership level including accounting operations, financial reporting, and strategic finance.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related business major is required.
• Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or certified professional accountant (CPA) designation is preferred.
• Current career focused experience within the renewable energy or solar development industry whether direct or through client consulting or investing. Knowledge of renewable energy policies, incentives, and regulations.
• Previous experience in public accounting is highly valued.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and express qualified opinions on its application.
• Must have solid interpersonal and communication skills needed to supervise three or more executive direct reports and more than 15 downstream and cross functional staff.
• Highly motivated individual who can work independently and in a dynamic, team-based environment.
• Ability to work on-site in Baltimore, MD on weekly Hybrid basis.