Controller

Overview

This role reports to the VP of Finance and is responsible for running accounting operations and the month-end close. Key focus areas include ownership of the general ledger, payroll accounting, fixed asset and aircraft accounting, internal controls, and day-to-day management of NetSuite following a transition away from QuickBooks.

Responsibilities

Close and reporting

• Own the month-end and year-end close process, including calendar, accruals, reconciliations, consolidation, and review of the trial balance and financial statements.
• Keep management reporting tied to GAAP financials and explain variances in plain language to finance and operations leaders.

Payroll accounting

• Reconcile each payroll register to the general ledger every pay cycle.
• Book payroll accruals for PTO, bonuses, commissions, and pilot pay components including per diem and mileage-based pay.
• Reconcile payroll tax, 401(k), and benefit deduction liabilities.
• Confirm taxable and non-taxable earnings are coded correctly across states.
• Partner with People to keep pay codes, deductions, and payroll-to-NetSuite mapping accurate as pay practices change.

NetSuite and systems

• Own NetSuite day-to-day administration, including chart of accounts, period close settings, user roles, segregation of duties, and integrations with payroll, billing, and spend tools.
• Complete post-migration work, including reconciling opening balances, correcting mapping problems, retiring QuickBooks workarounds, and writing procedures so no process depends on one person.

Accounting and compliance

• Maintain fixed asset and aircraft accounting, including depreciation, engine and maintenance events, and component tracking.
• Apply revenue recognition policy for charter, membership, and empty-leg revenue, and Federal Excise Tax treatment in line with policies set by the VP of Finance.
• Prepare and support Federal Excise Tax returns, property tax, sales tax, and 1099 reporting, working with outside tax advisors as needed.
• Coordinate external audit and tax work: prepare schedules, respond to requests, and track findings to closure.
• Build and document accounting policies and internal controls appropriate for a growing, regulated aviation business.

Management

• Manage and develop the accounting team.
• Set clear close deadlines and cover gaps hands-on while the team grows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years leading accountants as a controller, accounting manager, or similar.
• Hands-on payroll experience, including:
  • Reconciling payroll to the general ledger
  • Payroll accruals
  • Payroll tax
  • Multi-state employees
  • Benefit and 401(k) deduction reconciliation
• Experience owning the accounting work after an ERP/accounting system change (e.g., QuickBooks to NetSuite), including:
  • Reconciling opening balances
  • Fixing mapping and integration problems
  • Rebuilding the close process on the new system
• Working knowledge of NetSuite or a comparable mid-market ERP.
• Strong command of GAAP, including revenue recognition (ASC 606) and fixed asset accounting.
• Demonstrated ability to run a month-end close on time and keep reconciliations current.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication with non-finance leaders.
• Comfort working in a lean team environment where review responsibilities are paired with hands-on execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA.
• NetSuite experience, particularly connecting a payroll platform to NetSuite.
• Experience in aviation, charter, or another asset-heavy transportation business, including aircraft accounting and Federal Excise Tax.
• Public accounting or external audit experience.
• Experience at a high-growth, private-equity-backed, or family-owned company.
• Familiarity with Ramp or a similar spend management tool.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salaries: Competitive with the geographies where employees are based.
• Equity: All employees are granted stock options according to the equity incentive plan, vesting beginning on the first day of employment.
• 401(k): Safe harbor match of dollar for dollar up to 3% of pay, plus 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2%.
  • Enrollment: eligible to enroll on the first of any month.
  • Vesting: immediately 100% vested in all matching contributions.
• Medical coverage: Three plan options including a 100% employer paid High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), an 85% employer paid PPO plan, and Texas-based HMO plans.
• Additional insurance: Dental, vision, and life insurance included.
• Time off: Time off to support work-life balance.

Location

Not specified.

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon pre-employment drug testing, background checks, and post-offer job-related physicals (when applicable). Employment will be conditioned upon a negative result of these tests; if an applicant tests positive for illegal drugs, the offer of employment will be withdrawn.

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and reviews applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, handicapped status, or veteran’s status.