Controller (Project Management)

GTI Energy is a leading technology development organization. Our trusted team works to scale impactful solutions that shape energy transitions by leveraging gases, liquids, infrastructure, and efficiency. We embrace systems thinking, innovation, and collaboration to develop, scale, and deploy the technologies needed for low-carbon, low-cost energy systems. Fostering a positive and respectful work culture that promotes growth, collaboration, and opportunity, our 18-acre headquarters is home to state-of-the-art labs and facilities where scientists, engineers, program managers, trainers, and other professionals take a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. We are proud of what we do because our work matters. GTI Energy is focused on solving global energy challenges in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. We have a proven track record in producing creative and important intellectual property and commercializing solutions to deliver safe, clean, and reliable energy. At GTI Energy, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives, economies, and the environment. At GTI Energy, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (DEI&A) is not only an important business priority, but it is also deeply rooted in our culture and values and something we celebrate every day. GTI Energy is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We offer generous benefits, competitive salaries, enticing incentives, career advancement, and the opportunity to work in a professional R&D environment committed to purposeful work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Controller, under the leadership of the SVP of Finance & Accounting, has accountability for the organization's systems of internal controls, accounting, financial reporting, and financial management. Duties include design and implementation of the organization's internal controls and accounting systems and processes; development and maintenance of policies, procedures and forms; building an effective finance and accounting team/ function; managing an efficient, effective and timely close process; managing the organization's annual independent audit; fulfilling external reporting requirements and providing meaningful analysis, reporting and recommendations to leadership and the Board of Directors. Interfaces with funding bodies, bankers, auditors, and other regulatory bodies as required.

Key focus areas for the position include assurance of timely, accurate, and useful financial reporting and adherence to relevant governmental regulations and contractual terms such as Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 31), Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and all other pertinent government contract terms.

GTI Energy embraces the power of innovation and collaboration to solve consequential energy challenges.  By demonstrating continuous improvements in technology and solutions that lower the emissions and costs of energy, we will shape energy systems that decarbonize economies, protect our environment, and benefit the people they serve. We do this by putting people at the center of everything we do. We support and uplift people, ensuring they have the resources and confidence needed to live as their authentic selves and reach their full potential.

Being part of the GTI Energy team means being surrounded by people that are passionate and purpose driven, empowered to continuously learn, ask hard questions, and leverage their knowledge and experience to drive toward a greater purpose.

We offer generous benefits, competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We prioritize and maintain an inclusive, diverse, and respectful culture, and we ensure reasonable accommodation is made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.

The position will be based in the Chicagoland area at the GTI Energy Headquarters. We offer a hybrid/core work week, where employees are remote Mondays and Fridays, and required to be on-site Tuesday through Thursday.

Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, training, and evaluation of Accounting Department, which includes procurement, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial accounting. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

 

Primary Responsibilities

• Stay apprised of changes in accounting and reporting guidance, systems, and best practices. Provide clear communication to the finance team and leadership regarding emerging trends and changes.
• Manage the month-end close process and prepare financial statements and related narrative reports for management and the Board of Directors.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of purchase orders, accounts payable, employee expense reports, cash controls, and subcontractor payments in accordance with legal contracts.
• Ensure accurate and timely management of accounts receivable aging components including billings in accordance with customer contracts, cash receipts application, etc.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll and compliant withholding, remittance, and reporting of payroll liabilities.
• Review and approve accounting transactions, reconciliations, and related documentation.
• Maintain detailed, organized records of all financial activities and transactions including all compliance/ reporting due dates.
• Provide onboarding and training to staff throughout the agency related to their financial and internal control responsibilities.
• Track financial metrics for the agency's performance dashboard.
• Prepare analyses and budgets by establishing schedules; collecting, analyzing, and consolidating financial data; recommending plans.
• Achieve financial objectives by managing expenditures; analyzing variances; identifying opportunities; initiating corrective actions.
• Understand and educate leaders regarding the company's key drivers of financial performance.
• Keeps leadership and the Board advised of financial condition and performance by collecting, interpreting, and reporting meaningful financial and non-financial information and trends.

• Manage the design and implementation of processes and controls throughout the organization; develop strategies to optimize financial processes.
• Develop, communicate, and implement effective finance and accounting practices with aligned technology solutions. Ensure continuous process improvement, cost effective system maintenance and support, and the development and implementation of centralized practices, systems, policies, controls, and management tools.
• Determine the qualitative and quantitative measures that are critical for tracking and understanding organizational efficiency and impact.
• Maintain the organization's cost allocation plan, in coordination with the SVP of Finance & Accounting and the Senior Manager of Revenue Cycle, Grants, and Contracts.
• Guide financial decisions, protect assets, and maximize return on financial assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies, procedures, internal controls, and reporting systems.
• Leverage technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, including optimizing the use of the organization's financial software.
• Coordinate effective procurement processes to produce the best outcomes at the lowest cost and comply with the Uniform Guidance.

• Provide team leadership to make accounting and reporting processes work effectively and efficiently.
• Oversee the work of the Accounting Team.
• Organize work, establish priorities, make proper assignments of human resources, and efficiently allocate resources.
• Invest in people and cultivate a team culture rooted in accountability that inspires confidence, trust, respect, and transparency to encourage information sharing and learning.
• Provide timely performance feedback and take an active role in the development of your team.
• Maintain financial staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees. Ensures procedures are documented and staff are cross trained.
• Set goals and performance expectations of the Finance team.

• Acts as the primary liaison to the external auditors, coordinating audit activities, preparing information and schedules/workpapers and resolving questions.
• Act as liaison to banks and other outside stakeholders as directed by the SVP of Finance & Accounting, including preparation of required reporting.
• Comply with laws and regulations and accounting standards and guidance by maintaining knowledge, enforcing adherence to requirements, filing required reports, and advising management on needed actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Change agent driven to optimize accounting and reporting systems and processes.
• Excellent management and supervisory skills
• Expert-level knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, and best practices in accounting, reporting and internal controls.
• Technologically adept, demonstrating comfort, familiarity, and ability to learn and use a variety of computer applications, Intermediate-level knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook. Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Strong grasp of project accounting software, with a strong preference for knowledge and experience using Cost Point.
• Expert in account reconciliation best practice.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of indirect cost pool build up processes.
• Background promoting professional development opportunities, motivating staff, and empowering teams. Ability to inspire, influence, and enable others to achieve goals.
• Systems orientation, with a track record of improving and enhancing technologies, developing new solutions, and maintaining an awareness of and willingness to use new and emerging platforms.
• Exceptional project management skills: demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex projects from conception to fruition, with continuous follow up to ensure project completion within specified time parameters.
• Financial analysis and management skills including developing and monitoring budgets and financial reporting.
• Strong active listening skills and customer service orientation to accurately capture needs of others and plan follow up for implementation.
• Proven ability to produce insightful, high-quality reports, and to maintain integrity of data; keen attention to detail and accuracy is imperative.
• Outstanding organizational skills and effective time management skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously; ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to prioritize work, track/ monitor work, meet deadlines and produce quality results on time with attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex materials in an understandable manner to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that allow for effective relationships in a diverse environment.
• Resourcefulness and proactive work ethic.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required. MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• Public accounting experience, including experience planning and performing single audits, required.
• Five years of broad, progressive management experience in an accounting/ finance setting, including experience recruiting, training/developing, and retaining a highly effective team.
• Experience successfully preparing for and managing audits and managing month-end close cycles.
• Experience working in a non-profit setting, including experience with 990 information returns, government grants and contracts, Uniform Guidance, and single audits.
• Experience preparing budgets, financial statements and reports, and analyses.
• Knowledge and experience with all accounting cycles including payroll, cash disbursements, cash receipts, billing and collections, period close, and financial reporting.
• Experience with project accounting and government accounting.
• Experience using project accounting software. Cost point project accounting software experience preferred.
• Experience with complex Federal Government contracts and knowledge of cost accounting principles of allowability, allocability, and reasonableness, along with the disclosures and characterization of direct and indirect costs, in compliance with the FAR (i.e., 31), Uniform Guidance (i.e., 2CFR200), and Government Cost Accounting Standards.
• Experience with change management.

The salary range for this position is $200,000 - $250,000 USD annually. This salary range is GTI Energy's good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, GTI Energy's business or organizational needs and an individual's relevant experience, education, qualifications, certifications, skills, seniority, geographic location, and/or performance. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus. The range listed is just one component of GTI Energy's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, paid time off, and region-specific benefits.

GTI Energy is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment.  If you require any accommodation, please e-mail us at HumanResources@gti.energy and we'll work with you to meet your accessibility needs. You must have legal authorization to work for GTI Energy on your date of hire with no further action required by GTI Energy. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and give consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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