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Commonwealth Fusion Systems, the world's largest fusion energy company, is seeking a Senior Manager of Accounting Operations to lead and optimize operational accounting functions. This is a transformational leadership role that consolidates fragmented accounting work currently spread across staff, consultants, and senior leadership, creating a single clear owner for accounting operations and reducing bottlenecks as the company scales.
You will own the AP, payroll, expense reporting, and state filing compliance team and operations. Key responsibilities include:
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement process improvements for accounting operations, including analyzing system enhancements and developing standard operating procedures
• Manage and develop the AP, payroll, expense reporting, and state filing compliance team; build role clarity, cross-training, backup coverage, and accountability
• Own collaboration with Supply Chain, FP&A, People Ops, IT, and other functions to ensure optimized processes and cross-functional communication
• Serve as the first-line manager-level owner for operational accounting issue triage, escalation handling, root-cause follow-up, and process discipline
• Document key operating procedures, create scalable SOPs and training materials, and ensure process changes are communicated and adopted
• Monitor operational accounting metrics and recurring issues to identify trends, reduce rework, and improve processing accuracy and cycle time
You will lead optimization efforts to develop and implement best practices and effective systems as CFS continues to scale, while remaining hands-on when necessary. This role has significant growth opportunity as the accounting team expands.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or similar field (preferred)
• Minimum 7 years of relevant accounting, accounting operations, or finance operations experience
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory, team lead, or process-owner experience in a finance/accounting environment
• Hands-on experience with AP, payroll coordination, expense reporting, state filing compliance, or related operational accounting workflows
• Demonstrated experience improving processes, resolving operational bottlenecks, documenting procedures, and driving accountability across functions
• Experience working cross-functionally with Supply Chain, FP&A, People Ops/HR, ERP/IT, operations, or procurement
• Strong process ownership, issue triage, prioritization, and root-cause problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage ambiguity, create structure, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills and ability to partner with non-accounting stakeholders while maintaining compliance and control discipline
• People leadership, coaching, staff development, and accountability management
• Strong Excel and ERP fluency; ability to use data to identify exceptions, trends, and process gaps
BONUS QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience in high-growth, manufacturing, R&D, project-based, or operationally complex environments
• Experience with Odoo or similar ERP systems
• Experience managing external providers for state filings, compliance, payroll support, or related services
• Experience with corporate card programs, travel and expense systems, procure-to-pay workflows, or payroll systems
• CPA, CPP, or other relevant professional certification
• Experience building SOPs, training materials, controls documentation, and audit-ready support
Note: Role requires ability to perform extended activities such as typing, standing, sitting, walking. Occasional nights/weekends/on-call may be required during payroll processing, month-end close, audit, compliance deadlines, system issues, or urgent operational escalations. Work environment contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.
