Controller

Northwood Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space seeks a seasoned Controller to serve as the financial backbone of the organization, building scalable accounting systems and providing executive-level insights. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, including monthly close, AP/AR, payroll, and revenue recognition, while shaping the finance team and company culture around accountability and ROI.

You will partner with leadership on capital strategy and reporting to the board, ensuring robust controls and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance; CPA/CMA a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience including controller/senior role.
• Experience in a start-up or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., NetSuite).
• Strong understanding of GAAP, ASC 606 and internal controls.
• Hands-on and detail-oriented, comfortable with transactional tasks and strategic projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the in-house transition of accounting functions (monthly close, AP/AR, payroll, revenue recognition & cost accounting systems).
• Build and oversee financial infrastructure, reporting frameworks, and internal controls.
• Partner with leadership on business planning, capital strategy, and operational decisions.
• Provide timely financial reporting to executives, board, and investors.
• Establish company-wide financial controls supporting discipline and spending.
• Shape culture around cost-awareness and ROI-driven decisions.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team as the company scales.
• Evaluate and implement financial systems to enable growth and efficiency.
• Support external audits, tax filings, and investor reporting.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Strategic planning

Hands-on accounting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CMA beneficial

Tools

NetSuite

SQL

Excel

Job description

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Role:

We are seeking a Controller to serve as the financial backbone of our organization, balancing strategic leadership with hands‑on execution. This individual will design and implement financial systems, drive forecasting and planning, and provide executive‑level insights, while also ensuring that core accounting operations such as invoice entry and accounts receivable are executed with accuracy and timeliness.

Beyond managing the numbers, this role will play a key role in building the finance team and shaping a company‑wide culture around thoughtful spending, accountability, and resource stewardship. This is a unique opportunity to help define the financial DNA of a growing technology company.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the in‑house transition of accounting functions (monthly close, AP/AR, payroll management, revenue recognition & cost accounting systems design)
• Build and oversee the company’s financial infrastructure, implement functional accounting strategies, reporting frameworks, and internal controls
• Partner with leadership on business planning, capital strategy, and operational decision‑making
• Provide timely and insightful financial reporting to executives, board members, and investors
• Establish and champion company‑wide financial controls that promote financial discipline and responsible spending
• Play a leadership role in shaping the company’s culture around cost‑awareness and ROI‑driven decision‑making
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high‑performing finance team as the company scales
• Evaluate and implement financial systems and tools that enable growth and efficiency
• Support external audits, tax filings, and investor reporting

Accounts Payable (AP):

• Process vendor invoices, match POs to receipts, ensure proper coding of expenses and ensure timely payments
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies
• Manage expense reimbursements and corporate credit card reconciliations
• Maintain accurate AP records and ensure compliance with internal controls
• Assist in maintaining the vendor master file, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with tax requirements (e.g., W-9s, 1099s)
• Prepare AP aging reports and other financial reports for review by management

Accounts Receivable (AR):

• Generate, track and send customer invoices in alignment with contracts
• Monitor collections, follow up on outstanding balances, and support cash flow forecasting
• Reconcile AR accounts and resolve billing disputes
• Partner with sales and operations to ensure accurate billing information
• Prepare AR aging reports and other financial reports to estimate cash inflows
• Support liquidity and cash flow planning, analyze variances between forecasted and actual receipts

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (CPA or CMA a plus)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior controller or senior accounting role
• Experience in a start‑up or manufacturing environment strongly preferred
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., NetSuite or similar)
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, ASC 606 and internal controls
• Hands‑on and detail‑oriented, with willingness to handle transactional tasks as well as strategic projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in the aerospace, satellite, telecommunications, or defense industries
• Proficient in SQL or other data tools for supplier and quality analytics
• Startup or fast‑paced environment experience a plus

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.