Financial Controller - Trading

At Second Foundation, we employ the brightest minds from computer science, mathematics, economics, and beyond to solve some of the most challenging problems in energy markets. Our mission goes beyond profit – it’s about reshaping electricity markets to foster stability, reliability, and fairness, ensuring a robust economic landscape for all.  

Our approach is rooted in science and advanced machine learning, transforming data into market-leading trading strategies through self-developed tools and sophisticated mathematical models.  

Founded in Europe in 2020, we have rapidly grown into a global team of over 370+ professionals, with offices in Switzerland, Germany, Japan, the USA, and the Czech Republic. Second Foundation US Trading, our North American branch, has been active in power trading since 2022 and is focused on reshaping electricity markets to ensure stability, reliability, and fairness. 

In this role, you will work directly with the US CFO and our trading and analytical teams, as well as collaborate closely with finance, technology, and analytical teams based in Europe. You will be responsible for developing detailed financial reports, assisting in the execution of daily finance operations, and driving process improvements to optimize efficiency in our US power trading. 

Are you detail-oriented and energized by fast-paced environments? Do you thrive on working with complex financial projects and have a passion for energy trading? If so, you might be the perfect candidate to join our Finance team in Charlotte, NC! 

What would you work on?  

• Prepare detailed, timely financial reports linked to our power trading activities using available market data. 
• Consolidate and validate data from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and integrity. 
• Engage in daily finance operations including reconciliation of invoices and settlements. 
• Collaborate with counterparties and internal teams to manage liquidity and collateral effectively. 
• Utilize current financial tools and develop and implement new systems, automating processes for optimum 
• Improve and create innovative processes and procedures for daily operations and financial reporting. 
• Take on special projects such as scenario analyses, risk assessments, and market expansion studies. 
• Support cross-departmental initiatives that drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. 
• Track power market trends and regulatory changes to provide actionable insights for the trading desk. 
• Analyze trading performance against forecasts, identifying opportunities and risks. 

What makes you a great candidate? 

• You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.   
• You have at least two years of experience in a role comparable to financial analyst; prior experience in US power markets or commodity trading is a plus, though not a condition  
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.  
• Knowledge of Python, or similar tools, is a plus for automating analysis and streamlining processes.  
• Detail-oriented, structured, and quality-conscious with a data-driven work approach.  
• A self-starter with a “can-do” attitude who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments.  
• Strong communicator, comfortable sharing insights and collaborating across teams. 

What do we offer? 

• Collaborative Team: Work closely with the US CFO and trading and analytics teams, while partnering with finance, technology, and analytics experts in Europe. 
• Career Growth: Embrace significant responsibility and autonomy with rapid learning and clear pathways for advancement. 
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible, hybrid schedules (we typically require our staff to spend 4 days in the office), competitive benefits (health, 401(k) matching, generous PTO, paid holidays), plus monthly lunch contributions, snacks, and reimbursements and on-site gym.