Aerospace Controller — Build the Finance Function + Equity

Swarm Aero; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful equity

Competitive base salary

Medical, dental, vision, and 401k

PTO and paid sick leave

Monthly wellness stipend

Daily catered lunch (office)

Paid parental leave

Direct impact on a national security使命

World-class engineering team

Job summary

Swarm Aero is seeking its first Controller to build the accounting function from the ground up, owning the close process, GAAP financials, and government contract compliance. You will manage cost accounting for hardware manufacturing and oversee ERP systems as we scale.

You will report to leadership and work with Operations, Supply Chain and Program teams, building the framework that enables rapid growth and long-term financial integrity.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or accounting leader.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• Hardware, manufacturing, or aerospace and defence industry experience with real inventory and cost accounting exposure.
• 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; proven ability to write or implement playbooks.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close end to end and drive it faster and cleaner every quarter.
• Own GAAP financials, the general ledger, and account reconciliations.
• Build and run cost accounting for hardware manufacturing, including inventory, WIP, standard costs, and variance analysis across Oxnard and Arkansas operations.
• Own our ERP and accounting systems, including implementation and administration.
• Stand up government contract accounting: CLIN tracking, cost segregation, and compliance with FAR and DFARS expectations.
• Build toward DCAA audit readiness, including timekeeping, indirect rate structures, and an approved accounting system.
• Own AP, expense administration and payroll operations.
• Design internal controls that scale with headcount and contract volume.
• Prepare for and manage the company's first financial audits.
• Support FP&A and leadership with accurate, timely actuals.

Skills

GAAP accounting

Cost accounting

ERP ownership

NetSuite

Government contract accounting

Audit readiness

Payroll operations

Internal controls

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Education

CPA

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Swarm Aero is seeking its first Controller to build the accounting function from the ground up, owning the close process, GAAP financials, and government contract compliance. You will manage cost accounting for hardware manufacturing and oversee ERP systems as we scale.

You will report to leadership and work with Operations, Supply Chain and Program teams, building the framework that enables rapid growth and long-term financial integrity.