Senior Manager, External Reporting & Compliance

BostonFinance – Finance /Full Time /HybridAbout Merlin: Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full-stack autonomy for any aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot autonomy system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles and has been proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from Merlin's global flight test facilities, including Kerikeri, New Zealand; Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and soon, Bedford, Massachusetts. Headquartered in Boston, Merlin is expanding its organization to accelerate the development and deployment of its autonomy platform, helping customers solve some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety. Backed by some of the world's leading investors prior to its public listing, Merlin continues to advance the certification and commercialization of autonomous flight across commercial and defense aviation. About You: Merlin is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Manager of SEC Reporting & Internal Controls to join its growing Finance team. This role is critical to the company's public company compliance obligations and will be responsible for the preparation and filing of all SEC periodic reports, supporting the development of a robust internal control framework under SOX, and partnering cross-functionally to ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial disclosure.This is a high-visibility, high-impact role at a company that recently completed a transformative business combination and is building its SEC reporting and internal controls capabilities from the ground up. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and brings deep technical accounting knowledge combined with strong business acumen.Responsibilities:SEC Reporting & Financial DisclosureLead the preparation, review, and timely filing of all SEC periodic reports including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, as well as proxy statements, and registration statementsDraft and maintain MD&A, financial statement footnotes, earnings releases, and related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC rules and regulationsCoordinate with external auditors on quarterly reviews and annual audits, including PBC schedules and audit support documentationMonitor evolving SEC disclosure requirements, FASB/PCAOB standards, and guidance from the SEC staff; assess applicability to Merlin and implement necessary changesManage the EDGAR filing process, including XBRL/iXBRL tagging and inline XBRL complianceSupport investor relations with financial data requests, earnings call preparation, and investor presentationsInternal Controls (SOX Compliance)Lead the design, implementation, documentation, and ongoing assessment of the company's internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) framework in accordance with SOX Section 302 and 404Coordinate with process owners across Finance, Legal, Operations, and IT to document key business processes, identify risks, and design effective controlsManage the annual SOX scoping exercise, risk assessment, and testing calendar in coordination with external auditorsPrepare and maintain internal control documentation including process narratives, flowcharts, and risk and control matrices (RCMs)Facilitate testing of design and operating effectiveness; track and remediate control deficiencies and material weaknessesPartner with IT and cybersecurity teams on IT general controls (ITGCs) and application controls relevant to financial reporting systemsTechnical Accounting & PolicyResearch and document complex accounting issues including revenue recognition (ASC 606), stock-based compensation (ASC 718), business combinations (ASC 805), warrant accounting, and government contract accountingPrepare and maintain technical accounting position papers and white papers to support the company's accounting policiesSupport implementation of new accounting standards and assess impact on existing disclosures and internal controlsCross-Functional PartnershipServe as a key liaison between Accounting, Legal, FP&A, and Investor Relations to ensure consistent and accurate financial messagingSupport the Audit Committee in preparing materials for quarterly and annual meetingsAssist with special projects including secondary offerings, financing activities, and M&A due diligence as neededQualifications:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a minimum of 3 years at a Big 4 or large regional public accounting firm with public company audit experienceDeep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and SOX complianceHands-on experience with 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K preparation and EDGAR filing processesStrong working knowledge of XBRL/iXBRL tagging and inline XBRL requirementsAbility to research, interpret, and apply complex technical accounting guidanceStrong project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet strict deadlinesNice to Have:Experience with emerging growth companies (EGC) or smaller reporting companies (SRC) and the related disclosure accommodationsExperience at a SPAC or company that has recently completed a business combination or IPOFamiliarity with government contract accounting, cost accounting standards, or aerospace/defense industry revenue recognitionExperience with Workiva or similar SEC reporting and disclosure management platformsPrior experience building or scaling an internal controls function at an early-stage public companyGraduate degree (MBA, MSA) a plus$180,000 - $240,000 a yearThe compensation range provided is a good-faith estimate based on a wide range of factors, inclusive of base salary only. The actual offer will be determined by a variety of factors including the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, and training. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Merlin's total compensation package. Additionally, Merlin offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees.This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.Once you’re here, you’ll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personallyMerlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: [email protected]Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.