Controller

Observable Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Observable Space is seeking a Corporate Controller based in Los Angeles to lead the accounting function during a period of growth, owning the monthly close, consolidation, and scalable controls. This hands-on leadership role combines strategic oversight with attention to detail and will involve coordinating with auditors, tax advisors, and cross-functional teams.

You will build and mentor a high-performing accounting organization, drive ERP implementation across GL, AP, AR, inventory, costing,

Qualifications

• CPA required; public accounting background preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience including a controller-level leadership role.
• Manufacturing or hardware accounting experience (inventory, standard costing, BOMs, WIP).
• Experience taking a company through the audit readiness process, including implementation of ASC 606 Revenue Recognition.
• Hands-on ERP implementation experience.
• Track record of building teams, processes, and controls in a high-growth or scaling company.
• Comfort operating amid ambiguity, competing priorities, and a build-it-simple mindset.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly and quarterly close and consolidation, delivering timely, accurate financials in accordance with US GAAP.
• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing accounting team as the organization grows.
• Lead external audits and manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, and other third parties.
• Own tax compliance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
• Drive the implementation and optimization of an ERP, including end-to-end configuration of GL, AP, AR, Inventory, Work Order / Cost of Goods, consolidation, and reporting structures.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and scalable, well-documented accounting processes.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives such as Travel & Expense rollout, payroll automation, and cost accounting improvements.
• Partner with FP&A, operations, program management, and leadership to align finance with the broader business.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP expertise

Audit readiness

Ambiguity handling

Education

CPA license

Public accounting background

Tools

ERP systems

ASC 606

Cost accounting

Job description

About Observable Space

At Observable Space, we’re redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We’re a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. From advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.

Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space.

About The Role

We are looking for a Corporate Controller to lead our accounting function through this period of growth — owning the close, and standing up scalable systems and controls.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who can operate at both the strategic and the detailed level, who thrives in ambiguity, and who wants to build the financial infrastructure a maturing company needs. Based in Los Angeles.

What You’ll Do

• Own the monthly and quarterly close and consolidation, delivering timely, accurate financials in accordance with US GAAP.

• Build, mentor, and scale a high‑performing accounting team as the organization grows.

• Lead external audits and manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, and other third parties.

• Own tax compliance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.

• Drive the implementation and optimization of an ERP, including end‑to‑end configuration of GL, AP, AR, Inventory, Work Order / Cost of Goods, consolidation, and reporting structures. Will hire an ERP Implementer to manage, but this will be lockstep to help.

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and scalable, well‑documented accounting processes.

• Lead cross‑functional initiatives such as Travel & Expense rollout, payroll automation, and cost accounting improvements.

• Partner with FP&A, operations, program management, and leadership to align finance with the broader business.

What We’re Looking For

• CPA required; public accounting background strongly preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a controller‑level leadership role.

• Manufacturing or hardware accounting experience (inventory, standard costing, BOMs, WIP).

• Experience taking a company through the audit readiness process, including implementation of ASC 606 Revenue Recognition

• Hands‑on ERP implementation experience is strongly preferred.

• Track record of building teams, processes, and controls in a high‑growth or scaling company.

• Comfort operating amid ambiguity, competing priorities, and a build‑it‑simple mindset.

Nice to Have

• Experience in a government‑contracting environment, with working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government cost accounting.

• Familiarity with project and cost accounting for programs and contracts.

• Space, aerospace, or broader defense industry exposure.

• DCAA‑compliant accounting system experience, including incurred cost submissions.

Details

• Location: Los Angeles, CA — on‑site (ideally 4 days in office and 1 day at home)

• Schedule: We work closely with an East Coast team, so this role starts the day around 7:00 a.m. Pacific.

• Reports to: CFO / VP Finance

• Compensation: [$XXK] base, plus equity and benefits