Corporate Controller

Our client is building the leading Western aerial robotics platform by aggregating best in class, dual use drone and autonomy companies across defense and industrial markets into one integrated, AI native enterprise. They are seeking a Corporate Controller, which will be remote to start and eventually have an office in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They are acquiring multiple operating businesses across the US and Europe, standing up a shared corporate platform, and preparing for a public offering in future. The company is led by a senior team with deep industrial, defense, and M&A backgrounds. THE ROLE This is a founding finance leadership role and a very hands on one. The Corporate Controller will build the accounting function from the ground up: take over the books from our outsourced accounting provider, implement NetSuite as the corporate system of record, design a chart of accounts and policy framework that meets both US GAAP and US Government cost accounting requirements, and bring each acquisition onto a common close and reporting process. There is no existing playbook to inherit. The right person is a builder who is equally comfortable designing the framework and personally reconciling the accounts, and who will earn the confidence of auditors, underwriters, and government customers. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Transition and ownership of the accounting function Take over day to day accounting from the current outsourced provider, including a structured knowledge transfer, cutover plan, and close ownership by a defined date. Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close for the corporate entity and the consolidated group, with a disciplined calendar, checklists, and account reconciliations. Produce accurate, timely consolidated financial statements and management reporting for the CFO, CEO, Board, and investors. Build and lead the accounting team over time, starting as a player coach and hiring assistant controller, technical accounting, and staff accountant roles as the business scales. Systems and process infrastructure Lead the ERP implementation as the internal business owner: select and manage the implementation partner, define requirements, design the multi entity, multi-currency structure, and drive testing, data migration, and go live. Implement procure to pay using Ramp (AP automation, corporate cards, spend controls) and integrate it with NetSuite. Partner with Engineering and Operations on integrations between NetSuite and manufacturing, product lifecycle, HRIS and payroll, and banking systems. Design intercompany, elimination, and consolidation processes that work at day one and scale as entities are added. Identify opportunities to automate accounting work with modern and AI enabled tools, consistent with our AI native operating model. Chart of accounts and Government cost accounting Design a chart of accounts and dimensional structure (entity, program, contract, department, project) that supports GAAP reporting and US Government cost accounting requirements, including FAR Part 31 cost principles, FAR Part 15 cost and pricing support, and Cost Accounting Standards where applicable. Define direct, indirect, fringe, overhead, and G&A cost pools and allocation methodologies, and build the rate structure and supporting documentation needed for proposals, provisional billing rates, and incurred cost submissions. Establish timekeeping, cost segregation (allowable versus unallowable), and billing processes that position the company for an adequate accounting system determination and DCAA audit readiness, even where current contracts are fixed price or commercial. Work with contracts, legal, and program leadership so that cost accounting practices, disclosure, and compliance evolve as the mix of government work grows. Accounting policy and technical accounting Draft and maintain the accounting policy manual, close procedures, and internal control documentation. Own technical positions across revenue recognition (ASC 606, including point in time and over time contracts), inventory and standard costing, business combinations and purchase price allocation (ASC 805), consolidation and equity method accounting (ASC 810 and ASC 323), goodwill and intangibles, foreign currency translation, and contingent consideration and equity instruments. Manage the conversion of acquired company books (including cash basis and IFRS or local GAAP entities) to US GAAP. Coordinate third party valuation, tax, and audit specialists and prepare clear technical accounting memos for the CFO and external auditors. Acquisition integration Serve as the accounting lead on diligence follow up, closing balance sheets, opening balance sheet work, and post close integration for each acquisition. Onboard each entity onto the common chart of accounts, close calendar, policies, and reporting package, working closely with the entity controllers and the corporate development and integration teams. Provide dotted line guidance and standards to entity level finance leads so accounting practices are consistent across the group. Audit, controls, and public company readiness Serve as the primary day to day contact for the external auditors and manage the annual audit and any interim reviews or PCAOB level audit readiness work. Build a control environment designed for SOX 404 readiness, including risk and control matrices, segregation of duties, and management review controls. Support S-1 or equivalent registration statement preparation, including historical financial statements, pro formas, and footnote disclosures, and prepare the function to operate as a public company. Support budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and covenant or lender reporting in partnership with FP&A and Treasury. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Prior public accounting experience, ideally at a Big 4 or national firm. Previous role as Controller (or equivalent senior accounting leader) of a company with roughly $100M to $300M of revenue. Hands on experience leading or materially participating in a full ERP implementation; Netsuite helpful, not required. Experience in a multi-location business, including multiple legal entities and consolidation across entities. Strong US GAAP technical knowledge, including revenue recognition, inventory and cost accounting, and business combinations. Demonstrated ability to build processes, policies, and teams in a fast-changing environment, and a willingness to do the work personally. Bachelor degree in accounting or a related field. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Regulated industry experience in Defense, Aerospace, Manufacturing or Government contracting is helpful, including experience with FAR, DFARS, and Cost Accounting Standards, indirect rate development, and DCAA audits or accounting system reviews. Experience with foreign subsidiaries, multi-currency consolidation, and IFRS to US GAAP conversion. Experience in a PE backed or acquisitive company, including integrating acquired businesses and purchase accounting. Experience with an IPO, SEC reporting, or SOX 404 implementation. Manufacturing or hardware experience, including standard costing, inventory valuation, and work in process. Working familiarity with Ramp or comparable spend management tools, and with consolidation and planning platforms. Familiarity with export control and security requirements (ITAR, EAR, CFIUS) and how they affect finance operations. WHO WILL SUCCEED HERE A builder who is energized by creating structure where none exists, and who values speed with control. Credible and direct, with the ability to earn trust quickly with executives, auditors, and operators in acquired companies. Strong judgment on what must be perfect now versus what can be phased, with a bias toward simple, scalable solutions. Comfortable with ambiguity, a compressed timeline, and a lean team. Curious about technology and automation, and eager to use it to make finance faster and more accurate. WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE Accounting fully transitioned from the outsourced provider, with a repeatable monthly close and reliable consolidated reporting. NetSuite and Ramp live, with the acquired entities onboarded on a defined schedule. A documented chart of accounts, policy manual, and cost structure that will stand up to auditors and government reviewers. A clean, auditable path to a public offering, with a control environment and team ready for public company reporting. COMPENSATION Competitive base salary (target $200-240k) and annual bonus plan. Specific terms will be discussed with qualified candidates.