Controller If you are an experienced accounting leader wants to own more than a close checklist, this is a chance to build the accounting function for a growing aerospace and defense software company whose products support mission-critical assets, leading manufacturers, and U.S. government customers. You will partner directly with the CFO, own the full accounting cycle as a hands-on department of one, and help stand up the systems, controls, and reporting foundation for the company’s next stage of growth. The Opportunity This role is ideal for an accounting leader who enjoys both precision and building. The company is operating through a carve-out and transition from shared services to a fully independent finance and accounting function. That means you will not simply inherit a mature playbook; you will help create it. You will lead day-to-day accounting operations, manage month-end and annual close, support audit readiness, and build scalable processes across AR, AP, payroll, reporting, controls, contract accounting, and systems. You will also bring financial visibility to leadership by enabling project-level tracking, supporting forecasts, and contributing to board and investor reporting. What You Will Own - Full-Cycle Accounting Operations - Own the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and 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 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 that gives leadership and operations clearer visibility into performance. - Help 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 that keep the close operating 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 - Serve 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 that help guide strategic planning and growth decisions. - Assist with M&A integration work as new capabilities or entities are incorporated into financial processes and systems. What Makes You a Strong Fit - A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. - CPA preferred, but not required. - 5+ years of accounting experience, including progressive ownership of the close. - Strong command of GAAP and ASC 606. - Experience in B2B SaaS is strongly preferred, especially exposure to subscription revenue, ARR, and deferred revenue mechanics. - Government contracting accounting experience is strongly preferred, including DCAA-compliant accounting, indirect rates, incurred cost submissions, and contract billing. - A track record of building or meaningfully