Controller

Jetzero; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

401(k)

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Job summary

A cutting-edge aerospace company in Long Beach is looking for a Controller to oversee their accounting functions end-to-end. The ideal candidate will have significant public accounting experience, especially within startup environments, and a CPA certification. Responsibilities include managing month-end close, compliance, and audit processes, as well as building an accounting team to prepare for IPO readiness. Excellent benefits include unlimited PTO, and a competitive salary range of $220,000 to $250,000 is offered.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, ideally in startup or hardware.
• Demonstrated experience in building and leading an accounting team.
• IPO readiness experience – preparation of SEC-required documentation.

Responsibilities

• Manage GAAP-compliant month-end close processes.
• Lead relationships with external auditors for financial audits.
• Identify and implement process improvements across the accounting function.

Skills

CPA

Cost accounting expertise

Defense contracting accounting knowledge

Public accounting background

Multi-currency consolidation

Education

CPA (active)

Job description

JetZero Team

We are experienced aerospace professionals and engineers, excited about the future. That future will only be possible if we share our vision and what it means to people’s lives: carbon‑free flight that is better for both passengers and airlines around the world.

Position Overview

JetZero is seeking a Controller to join the team and own the accounting function end‑to‑end. This role will focus on building the team, streamlining the close process, and preparing the company for the rigor of public‑company reporting. The Controller reports to the CFO and serves as the technical accounting backbone of a hardware‑intensive, dual‑use aerospace company scaling toward full‑scope airplane OEM with a path towards public offering.

What You’ll Do

Month‑End Close & Financial Reporting

• Own and manage GAAP‑compliant month‑end close, driving cycle time toward a 15‑day target within the first year.
• Ensure complex accounting issues are identified and addressed on a monthly basis.
• Translate technical accounting findings into clear, actionable language for executive leadership.

Audit & Compliance

• Lead the relationship with external auditors and manage completion of the annual financial audit.
• Present audit findings and remediation plans to internal executive leadership.
• Build and maintain documentation, internal controls, and reporting frameworks consistent with public‑company requirements.

Operations & Process Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements across the accounting function.
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable to ensure timely incoming and outgoing payments.
• Oversee cost accounting for physical product manufacturing, including defense contract compliance.
• Manage multi‑currency consolidation across international entities.
• Partner with executive leadership on tax incentive management and related reporting.

Team Building

• Hire, develop, and lead an accounting team able to support public company‑level requirements into the future.
• Establish scalable workflows and clear ownership as the function grows in complexity and headcount.

Who You Are

• A technically deep, hands‑on accounting leader who thrives in ambiguity and is energized by building a function.
• Comfortable operating without a playbook and driving improvement initiatives into action plans.
• Adapts to a dynamic start‑up environment while maintaining rigor required of the accounting and controlling function.
• A clear communicator who translates complex accounting into language that lands with operators and executives.
• Curious, detail‑oriented, with a sharp eye for inconsistencies and a process‑minded approach to solving them.
• Excited by the intersection of hard tech, aerospace, and defense – motivated by the mission, not just the role.

What You Bring

• CPA (active).
• 8+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, including time in a startup, manufacturing or hardware environment.
• Public accounting background, Big‑4 firm experience a significant plus.
• Demonstrated experience building and leading an accounting team.
• Cost accounting expertise for manufactured products.
• Defense contracting accounting knowledge (FAR/DFARS compliance).
• IPO readiness experience – preparation of SEC‑required documentation and public‑company reporting.
• Multi‑currency consolidation across international subsidiaries.
• Hands‑on experience managing external audit.

Preferred Skills

• Experience scaling a company from growth stage through IPO.
• Familiarity with government tax incentive programs (R&D credits, CHIPS Act, etc.).
• Comfort operating in a fast‑moving, resource‑constrained startup environment.
• Leading edge knowledge of AI integration into accounting / finance functions – a significant plus.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is between $220,000 and $250,000. Compensation is a blend of base salary and equity options for eligible employees. Base salary is within a set range based on market benchmarks for each role, level and location.

Benefits include:

• Unlimited PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• 401(k)
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Equity tax advisory services

The Interview Process

• Our First Chat: Conversation with a recruiter or hiring team member to review background and fit.
• The Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the potential manager about role and expectations.
• The Panel: Meeting with teammates and cross‑functional partners to discuss responsibilities and values.
• The Executive Review: Meeting with an executive for a broader view of JetZero.

JetZero does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered.

At JetZero, we value diversity and are an equal‑opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws, ordinances, or regulations.