Accounting & Financial Analysis Manager in Santa Ana, California at FirstElement Fuel

Come join our team at FirstElement Fuel and be a part of impacting the world in positive ways!

FirstElement Fuel along with its True Zero brand is the leader in the deployment of retail hydrogen refueling stations. We are a California-based company established in 2013 to provide safe, reliable, retail fuel to customers of fuel cell electric vehicles. The True Zero retail hydrogen network is the largest in the world today and is critical to California global energy transformation.

Our mission is to foster the widespread adoption of hydrogen vehicles and reduce the impact of driving on our planet. FirstElement Fuel is continuously growing the refueling infrastructure and we believe hydrogen will change the world in a positive way.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL ANALYSIS MANAGER

We are seeking an Accounting & Financial Analysis Manger to lead financial oversight and analysis of our Environmental Attributes (EA), including LCFS programs, while supporting broader accounting and operational finance functions. This role sits at the intersection of accounting, finance, and regulatory compliance, partnering closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure accurate reporting, optimize financial performance, and support strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate has strong analytical capabilities, a solid accounting foundation, and experience navigating complex regulatory or environmental credit frameworks.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Environmental Attributes (EA) & LCFS Management:

• Manage accounting and financial analysis related to Environmental Attributes, including Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits and Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs).
• Oversee LCFS reporting, including credit generation, tracking, and reconciliation.
• Support pathway management, including data tracking, updates, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate verification processes and respond to regulatory requests (e.g., CARB inquiries and audits).
• Support Environmental Attribute (EA) supply contract renewals, including financial analysis and modeling.
• Perform ad hoc modeling and scenario analysis related to EA pricing, volumes, and regulatory impacts.
• Manage purchases and sales of Environmental attributes to satisfy regulatory and internal requirements to maintain a 0 CI as well as monetizing generated credits.

Accounting Responsibilities:

• Support core accounting functions, including accounts receivable and revenue-related processes.
• Manage accounting for LCFS/EA transactions, ensuring compliance with GAAP.
• Assist in accounting for shareholder and noteholder arrangements.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules as needed.
• Prepare monthly customer invoices and ensure accurate billing.
• Communicate with customers and internal stakeholders to support timely collections.

Financial Planning & Operational Analysis:

• Prepare monthly operational and financial reporting packages for management and shareholders.
• Actualize results within ERP system and drive reporting and analysis of variances between actual, budget and reconciliation to business plan.
• Analyze operational performance, including cost drivers, margins, and key performance indicators.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning efforts.
• Update and maintain operating cash flow models and projections.
• Provide actionable insights to improve operational efficiency and financial performance.

Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with operations, regulatory, and commercial teams to ensure accurate and timely data flow.
• Identify and implement process improvements across accounting, reporting, and analysis functions.
• Support development of scalable systems and processes in a high-growth environment.

Audit, Compliance & Special Projects:

• Support internal and external audits, including preparation of audit schedules and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements related to environmental credits.
• Respond to ad hoc requests from regulators and internal stakeholders.
• Lead or contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5-8+ years of experience in accounting, financial analysis, or a related role.
• Experience with Environmental Attributes, LCFS, renewable energy credits, or similar programs strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience working with large datasets.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex, multi-faceted processes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and nontechnical teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to ad hoc requests in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with a proactive, problem-solving mindset and adaptability to change.

Desired Skills & Knowledge:

• Experience working with regulatory agencies (e.g., CARB) or similar governing bodies.
• Familiarity with hydrogen, clean energy, or environmental markets.
• CPA or progress toward certification.
• Experience in a high-growth or startup environment.

Schedule + Benefits:

• Excellent benefits, to include full premium coverage for Medical, Dental and Vision, 401(k) Plan (with 6% company match), Personal Time Off (PTO), and committed work environment.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $125,000 - $140,000 + benefits (DOE). Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work locations and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the salary base only and do not include any bonus or benefits.

FirstElement Fuel is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training or promoting, on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, age, U.S. military or protected veteran status or political affiliation or any other protected characteristic covered by applicable federal, state, or local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. We also perform employment background checks.