Controller

About Us: Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within. Role Overview The Controller will serve as a senior leader within the Finance organization. This executive will be responsible for building, scaling, and leading a best-in-class accounting function capable of supporting a complex, high-growth business with rigorous financial reporting, audit, compliance, and internal control requirements. This is a high-impact, high-visibility leadership role requiring deep technical accounting expertise, strong operational discipline, and the ability to lead through scale. The Controller will own the integrity of the company’s financial reporting, drive a timely and accurate close process, ensure audit readiness, strengthen internal controls, and partner cross-functionally with executive leadership to support strategic growth initiatives. The ideal candidate has operated in a public-company environment or similarly rigorous reporting environment and brings a proven track record of scaling accounting organizations, implementing robust financial infrastructure, and leading teams through increasing operational complexity. This leader must be equally comfortable advising at the executive and Board level, developing scalable processes, and diving into the details when needed. Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Close Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Own the company’s close process, ensuring timely, accurate, and scalable financial reporting while continuously improving close timelines, process quality, and operational efficiency. Oversee general ledger activity, account reconciliations, consolidation processes, and overall financial statement integrity. Develop and deliver high-quality financial reporting packages for executive leadership, the Board stakeholders, and, as applicable, Audit Committee audiences. Establish reporting standards, review mechanisms, and operating rhythms that support accuracy, accountability, and executive-level decision‑making. Technical Accounting Serve as the company’s senior technical accounting leader, owning accounting policies, technical memos, and conclusions across complex areas including revenue recognition under ASC 606, inventory, leases under ASC 842, stock‑based compensation, business combinations, and other areas as the company scales. Monitor, assess, and lead implementation of new accounting pronouncements and evolving reporting requirements. Advise the CFO and executive leadership on the accounting implications of strategic initiatives, transactions, customer contracts, financing activities, acquisitions, and new business models. Partner with Legal, FP&A, Operations, Supply Chain, and external advisors to ensure accounting positions are well‑documented, supportable, and aligned with company objectives. External Reporting & Readiness Build financial reporting processes, documentation, and governance practices aligned with public‑company standards and increasing external scrutiny. Partner with external auditors, legal counsel, and other advisors on complex reporting, disclosure, and compliance matters. Contribute to the company’s readiness for enhanced external reporting requirements, including preparation for future liquidity events, large‑scale financing, public‑company expectations, or other significant corporate milestones. Support the preparation of materials for Board and Audit Committee engagement, including financial reporting updates, audit matters, control environment updates, and key accounting judgments. Audit, Tax & Compliance Serve as the primary executive liaison for external auditors, managing the annual audit and any interim or quarterly review processes. Ensure audit readiness through disciplined documentation, strong accounting processes, timely issue resolution, and a proactive approach to auditor engagement. Oversee tax compliance in partnership with external providers, including federal, state, local, and international filings as applicable. Ensure accounting and reporting processes are designed to support compliance with regulatory, contractual, and government contracting requirements where applicable. Risk, Controls & Compliance Design, implement, and maintain a scalable internal control framework that supports the company’s growth, operational complexity, and reporting obligations. Partner with Internal Audit or equivalent functions to identify key risks, evaluate control effectiveness, and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are in place. Continuously evaluate and strengthen business process controls across accounting, payroll, procurement, inventory, financial reporting, and related workflows. Drive a culture of compliance, accountability, and strong financial stewardship across the organization. Leadership & Team Building Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing accounting organization capable of supporting the company through its next stages of growth. Develop the accounting team structure, hiring roadmap, operating model, and career progression pathways aligned with business needs. Establish a culture of ownership, accuracy, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Balance executive‑level leadership with hands‑on execution, particularly in areas where processes, systems, or teams are still being built. Serve as a trusted partner to the CFO and executive team on accounting strategy, organizational design, risk management, and financial infrastructure. Cross‑Functional Partnership Partner closely with FP&A to support forecasting, budgeting, performance analysis, and executive reporting. Collaborate with Legal on contracts, compliance matters, equity compensation, corporate governance, and transaction support. Work with Operations and Supply Chain on inventory accounting, cost accounting, manufacturing processes, and operational reporting. Support executive leadership with timely financial insights, reporting, and analysis that inform strategic decisions. Partner with HR on payroll, equity compensation, headcount planning, and related accounting processes. Act as a senior Finance partner across the organization, translating accounting and control requirements into practical, scalable business processes. Systems & Infrastructure Evaluate, implement, and optimize ERP and financial systems, including NetSuite or equivalent platforms. Drive automation, data integrity, and scalability across accounting workflows, reporting processes, close activities, reconciliations, and financial operations. Ensure alignment between financial systems, operational systems, and reporting requirements. Lead system upgrades, integrations, and process redesign efforts as the company scales. Establish financial systems infrastructure that supports auditability, operational efficiency, and executive‑level visibility. Qualifications & Experience Required Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA required. 12+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including senior leadership experience within a complex or high‑growth environment. 7+ years of people management experience, including experience building, leading, and scaling accounting teams. Prior experience operating in a public‑company environment or similarly complex, highly regulated reporting environment. Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, technical accounting, financial reporting, consolidations, and internal controls. Proven experience designing, implementing, and scaling internal control frameworks. Strong experience managing external audits and serving as the senior point of contact for external auditors. Demonstrated ability to lead in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments with increasing operational and reporting complexity. Strong executive presence, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, Board stakeholders, auditors, and external advisors. Preferred Big 4 public accounting background. Experience supporting a company through a significant liquidity event, large‑scale financing, acquisition, public‑company readiness process, or transition to a more complex reporting environment. Experience in defense technology, aerospace, manufacturing, hardware, SaaS, or hardware‑enabled software environments. Strong background in inventory accounting, cost accounting, and manufacturing‑related accounting processes. Experience with international entities, consolidations, and multi‑entity structures. ERP implementation or optimization experience; NetSuite strongly preferred. Familiarity with government contracting requirements and related compliance frameworks. Experience building accounting functions in founder‑led, venture‑backed, or private‑equity‑backed companies. Success Profile The successful Controller will be a strategic, hands‑on finance executive who can build structure, improve rigor, and lead the accounting function through scale. This person will bring a builder mindset, strong technical judgment, and a bias toward action. They will be highly organized, detail‑oriented, and process‑driven, with the ability to create clarity in ambiguous environments. They will be a trusted partner to the CFO, executive team, and cross‑functional leaders, capable of influencing at all levels while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and quality. Key attributes include: Strategic thinker with strong execution capability Hands‑on leader with a “roll up your sleeves” mentality Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and process‑oriented Strong communicator with executive and Board‑level presence Builder mindset with experience creating scalable infrastructure from the ground up High integrity and commitment to financial accuracy, compliance, and quality Results‑oriented leader with a track record of scaling teams, systems, and processes Comfortable operating in environments with increasing external scrutiny and reporting expectations Strong collaborator who can partner across Finance, Legal, HR, Operations, Supply Chain, and executive leadership First 90–180 Day Priorities Assess the current accounting organization, systems, close process, reporting cadence, controls environment, and team capabilities. Identify gaps in financial reporting, audit readiness, internal controls, systems infrastructure, and scalability relative to best‑in‑class standards. Develop and begin executing a roadmap to strengthen the close process, improve reporting quality, and accelerate monthly and quarterly reporting timelines. Establish a prioritized internal controls and audit‑readiness roadmap, including documentation standards, control ownership, and key risk areas. Build strong relationships with the CFO, executive team, cross‑functional partners, external auditors, tax advisors, and other key stakeholders. Develop a team structure and hiring plan to scale the accounting organization in alignment with company growth. Evaluate ERP and financial systems infrastructure and define a roadmap for optimization, automation, or implementation. Create a clear operating rhythm for accounting, reporting, audit preparation, controls, and cross‑functional finance support. Benefits: 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families Life Insurance (Employer Paid) Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching) Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum Equity Package Work / Home Office Stipend Global Entry 16 Week Paid Parental Leave Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend Our Values: Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology. Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships. Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation. Forward‑Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity. Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care. Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long‑term success and making a lasting impact. HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr