Controller

Overview

This role partners directly with the Chief Financial Officer to build and own the finance and accounting function for a growing aerospace and defense software organization supporting mission-critical assets and U.S. government customers.

The organization is operating through a carve-out and transition from shared services to a fully independent finance and accounting function. This position involves hands-on ownership of the full accounting cycle and the systems, controls, and reporting foundation for the next stage of growth.

Depending on experience, the internal level may be Accounting Manager or Senior Accounting Manager.

Responsibilities

Full-Cycle Accounting Operations

• Own the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and the monthly and annual close.
• Prepare timely, accurate financial statements and ad hoc reporting for the CFO, executive team, board, and investors.
• Maintain compliance with GAAP, including ASC 606 revenue recognition across contract types.
• Review contracts for proper revenue recognition treatment and related financial implications.

Government Contract Accounting and Compliance

• Maintain a DCAA-compliant accounting environment and support government contract compliance requirements.
• Manage indirect rates, annual incurred cost submission support, contract billing, and related documentation.
• Enable project-level financial tracking to improve visibility into performance for leadership and operations.
• Strengthen reporting in a government-regulated operating environment where accuracy, allocation, and documentation matter.

Process, Controls, and Systems Build-Out

• Lead the transition from shared services to an independent finance and accounting function.
• Design, document, and implement core accounting processes and controls across AR, AP, payroll, close calendar, and approval workflows.
• Build interim reporting and reconciliation tools to keep the close running smoothly while permanent systems are implemented.
• Establish streamlined connections between sales projections, operational task-level time tracking, and financial reporting.
• Lead selection and implementation of a government-contract-capable ERP.

Audit, Forecasting, and Strategic Support

• Act as the primary liaison with external auditors and maintain audit readiness.
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and cash management practices.
• Support the CFO with budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and variance analysis.
• Provide practical financial insights to support strategic planning and growth decisions.
• Assist with M&A integration work as new capabilities or entities are incorporated into financial processes and systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required)
• CPA is preferred (not required)
• 5+ years of accounting experience, including progressive ownership of the close
• Strong command of GAAP and ASC 606
• U.S. citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in B2B SaaS, especially exposure to subscription revenue, ARR, and deferred revenue mechanics
• Government contracting accounting experience, including DCAA-compliant accounting, indirect rates, incurred cost submissions, and contract billing
• Track record of building or meaningfully rebuilding accounting processes, controls, or systems in a small or scaling company
• ERP implementation experience or meaningful involvement in selecting, configuring, or improving accounting systems
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint or a similar government-contract-capable ERP (strongly preferred); NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks Online experience is also valuable
• Strong Excel skills and ability to produce accurate, actionable reporting
• Comfort operating as a hands-on accounting leader in a department-of-one environment
• Strong communication skills with executives, auditors, contracting stakeholders, and cross-functional partners

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected total compensation range: USD 130,000–150,000 Yearly

Location, Reporting, and Work Model

• Reports to the Chief Financial Officer.
• Remote role with the ability to work Central or Eastern time zone hours.
• Flexibility supported around core working hours of 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Eastern, based on business and team needs.
• Because the organization operates in a government-regulated environment, accurate timekeeping and project/internal account allocation are important expectations.

Equal Employment and Accommodations

• The employer provides equal employment opportunities and supports a respectful workplace.
• A good-faith interactive process is used for reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees.