Energize Capital LLC
Job Description: Finance and Accounting Associate
About Energize Capital
Energize Capital is a leading investor in climate solutions. Our mission is to scale sustainable innovation by partnering with the builders and operators shaping our future. Founded in 2016 and based in Chicago, to date Energize has funded 26 companies and deployed more than $500 million through its venture capital and growth equity strategies. The firm manages more than $1.4 billion in assets and is backed by institutional, strategic and impact LPs including Invenergy, CDPQ, Credit Suisse, GE Vernova, Xcel Energy, Caterpillar, Caprock and more.
Position Overview
Become a part of the Energize Capital team to deliver excellent returns and contribute to the firm’s reputation as the premier energy and sustainability technology investor. We are a small team with an entrepreneurial spirit, and this role requires flexibility, a diverse skill set, and an ability to perform at a high level on multiple fronts. We are looking for a driven and hardworking professional with exceptional knowledge of financial reporting and data analytics.
The Finance and Accounting Associate reports to the Controller at Energize. In their role, the individual will support and manage the portfolio valuation process, investor reporting of financials (quarterly and annually), cash management and budgeting for both the fund entities and the management company. This individual will also assist with the fund audit and tax preparation processes, team expense reporting, management company accounting and billing of expenses to funds, and ad hoc fund reporting for both internal and external stakeholders. This role is designed to be highly dynamic and flexible to fit the needs of a growing firm. The Finance and Accounting Associate will work closely with the Controller but will also regularly collaborate cross-functionally with members and leadership on the investment, platform and operations teams. We are looking for a contributor to help build and maintain efficient processes that can scale with our organization.
Working at Energize presents a unique opportunity to achieve professional development and growth while also making positive, sustainable impact on the world we live in.
This is a full-time position located in Chicago. The intended start date for the role is Q3 or Q4 of 2024.
Responsibilities
- Oversee quarterly and annual reporting of funds and special purpose vehicles (SPVs), including review of fund administrator data, financial statements and investor reporting packages.
- Assist with portfolio company valuation models, including presenting valuations to the investment team and Investment Committee.
- Assist with the capital call and distribution processes, including overseeing administrator investor allocations and formal notice preparation.
- Complete monthly close of Energize management company books and records, including bank and credit card reconciliation in addition to review and approval of team expenses.
- Review and maintain internal records of portfolio company capitalization tables.
- Assist with annual audits, tax preparation, and annual SEC Compliance filings.
- Respond to ad hoc financial requests from investors, portfolio companies and internal teams.
- Manage relationships with, and act as liaison between, Energize and our fund administrator, tax providers, auditors and other external parties as needed.
- Develop and maintain accounting policies in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Qualifications & Prior Experience
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years of public accounting experience and/or capital management experience preferred.
- Demonstrated understanding of GAAP Financial Reporting, general finance, capital management and tax.
- Understanding of management fees and carried interest structures and calculations.
- Knowledge of QBO (Quick Books Online) is a plus, but not required.
- Strong foundation of trustworthiness, ethical responsibility, transparency, credibility and humility; team-player mindset.
- Excellence in relationship management, with proven ability to effectively communicate with investors, portfolio companies, and internal teams.
- Self-motivated, highly productive, and execution-oriented; commitment to the highest quality of standards and ability to deliver value-accretive outcomes.
- Capable of finding creative solutions and proactively identifying process improvement opportunities for a growing firm.
- Desire and willingness to learn, give and take feedback, and challenge conventional thinking.
Energize Capital embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.