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Sr. Manager of Accounting

Hawthorne

About Valar Atomics

At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.

The Role

We're seeking a hands-on, operationally minded Accounting Manager to help us build a world-class accounting function. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in ambiguity, loves creating order out of chaos, and wants to leave their fingerprints on the systems and processes that will scale with the business. You'll own the month end close, drive process improvements, and work closely with our Finance and Operations teams to establish the financial infrastructure we need as we grow.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the month end close process, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial analysis to ensure accurate and timely financials.
  • Own GL maintenance, evolving the reporting segments and financial structure to meet the changing requirements of the growing business. Prepare internal reporting packages for leadership and investors and support annual financial statement preparation and coordination with external auditors and tax advisors.
  • Serve as the accounting expert for operational and technical matters, educating and clearly communicating requirements to non-finance partners.
  • Identify and drive opportunities to automate and streamline accounting workflows, including documentation of desktop procedures, system relationships and architecture, and process and control narratives.
  • Lead or support system implementations and expansions — ERP, AP automation, expense management, and beyond — with an eye toward audit-readiness and scalability.
  • Develop and maintain accounting policies and internal controls that give financial stakeholders accurate, trusted information to guide decision-making.
  • Partner with Finance, HR, Engineering, Warehousing, and Operations to strengthen data quality and reportability to meet business partner demands and improve upstream processes that flow into accounting.
  • Bring a “no job too small” mindset, contributing to a variety of projects and initiatives that support the growth of the business within the general scope of the role.

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

  • You anticipate issues early and create clarity from complexity, turning incomplete or messy information into accurate, reliable financial outputs.
  • You build trust through consistency, delivering high-quality work that stakeholders can depend on without needing to double-check.
  • You connect financial insights to business operations, influencing cross-functional partners and improving overall outcomes.
  • You adapt quickly and seek out better ways of working, continuously improving processes, systems, and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of accounting experience, including hands-on ownership of the month-end close and financial reporting and analysis process.
  • Strong knowledge of US GAAP and general accounting principles.
  • Experience at a startup, high-growth company, or similarly fast-paced environment — comfortable building processes from scratch.
  • Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, Ramp) and Microsoft Office Suite tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Self-starter with excellent organizational skills and a high tolerance for ambiguity.
  • Strong communicator who can work effectively across teams.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Licensed CPA.
  • Experience supporting or leading an ERP or systems implementation.
  • Exposure to a VC-backed company and familiarity with investor reporting requirements.
  • Background in public accounting (Big 4 or regional firm).
  • Experience supporting external audits or audit preparation.

What We Offer  

  • Competitive base salary 
  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company 
  • Comprehensive medical benefits 
  • Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite 
  • High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy 
  • Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement 
  • Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders 
  • The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

Salary

$160,000 - $230,000 USD

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