SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Swarm Aero is building the world's largest swarming UAV network and command & control software for autonomous aircraft swarms. The company is Series A-funded with a team experienced in aerospace design and defense contracting.
You will be the company's first Controller, building the accounting function from the ground up. This is a foundational role where you will establish the close process, financial controls, systems, and accounting playbook that will scale with the company.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning the monthly close process end-to-end and driving continuous improvement
- Managing GAAP financials, general ledger, and account reconciliations
- Building cost accounting for hardware manufacturing across Oxnard and Arkansas operations, including inventory, work-in-process, standard costs, and variance analysis
- Implementing and administering the ERP and accounting systems
- Establishing government contract accounting practices: CLIN tracking, cost segregation, FAR/DFARS compliance
- Building toward DCAA audit readiness with proper timekeeping, indirect rate structures, and approved accounting systems
- Managing accounts payable, expense administration, and payroll operations
- Designing internal controls that scale with headcount and contract volume
- Preparing for and managing the company's first financial audits
- Supporting FP&A and leadership with accurate, timely financial data
You will report to company leadership and work directly with Operations, Supply Chain, and Program teams. While you will have support, you will not have a large team initially and will be responsible for both executing the work and building the team behind you.
Required qualifications:
- 8+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years as Controller, Assistant Controller, or accounting leader
- CPA strongly preferred
- Hardware, manufacturing, or aerospace and defense industry experience with real inventory and cost accounting exposure
- Experience at smaller or earlier-stage operations where you understood the reasoning behind practices
- ERP ownership experience; NetSuite implementation or administration is a strong plus
- Government contract accounting exposure: CLINs, cost-type and fixed-price contracts, FAR/DFARS, DCAA
- Builder's mindset with experience writing accounting playbooks
Nice-to-have experience includes taking a company through its first audit, standing up an approved accounting system for government contracting, and startup experience through Series B or C scale-up.
