Senior Accountant

Valar Atomics is a nuclear energy company focused on scaling high-temperature gas reactors (HTGRs) for grid-independent industrial applications. The company is developing what it calls gigasites, large-scale facilities housing hundreds of nuclear reactors intended to power heavy industry, data centers, hydrogen production, and clean hydrocarbon fuel synthesis. Their reactor design uses TRISO fuel, a graphite moderator, and helium coolant, a combination the company highlights for its strong safety profile and proliferation resistance. By operating outside the traditional electricity grid, Valar Atomics aims to unlock economies of scale that have historically eluded the nuclear industry. Valar Atomics' mission centers on making nuclear energy the cheapest and most reliable energy source in the world, with a particular emphasis on decarbonizing industrial processes and enabling clean fuel production. Their hydrogen output, generated via a sulfur-iodine thermochemical cycle, can be combined with captured CO2 to produce synthetic hydrocarbons through a modified Fischer-Tropsch process, offering a pathway to drop-in clean fuels. The company also targets the surging power demands of AI data centers, which are projected to require over 200 additional terawatt-hours of grid power by 2030. The company is currently advancing its Ward 250 project, a test reactor being developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the San Rafael Energy Research Center, and the State of Utah, with a target go-live date of July 4, 2026, America's 250th birthday. The reactor has already been physically transported to Emery County, Utah, with logistical support from the U.S. military. Four executive orders issued under the Trump administration provided a mandate supporting the project's accelerated deployment timeline.

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.

About The Role

We’re seeking a hands-on, operationally minded Senior Accountant 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 play a key role in the month end close, contribute to process improvements, and work closely with our Finance and Operations teams to help establish the financial infrastructure we need as we grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the month end close process end-to-end, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, flux and variance analysis, and adherence to the close calendar to ensure accurate and timely financials.
• Own close-cycle areas including fixed assets and depreciation, prepaid expenses, accruals, payroll, and cash/bank reconciliations, ensuring supporting schedules are accurate, complete, and well-documented.
• Support GL maintenance, helping to evolve the reporting segments and financial structure to meet the changing requirements of the growing business.
• Prepare monthly financial reporting packages and perform financial analysis — trend and variance commentary, KPI tracking, and ad hoc analyses — to give leadership and investors clear insight into business performance.
• Serve as an accounting resource for operational and technical matters, clearly communicating requirements to non-finance partners.
• Contribute to process improvement and documentation efforts — desktop procedures, system relationships, and process narratives — as opportunities arise during the close.
• Support system implementations and expansions (ERP, AP automation, expense management) as needed.
• Help maintain accounting policies and internal controls supporting accurate, audit-ready financial records.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of accounting experience, including hands-on involvement in the month-end close and financial reporting and analysis process.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and general accounting principles.
• 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 & Experience

• Licensed CPA.
• Experience at a startup, high-growth company, or similarly fast-paced environment — comfortable building processes from scratch.
• 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).