Controller

Speedrun Talent Network; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space is seeking a Controller to build and lead our accounting function from the ground up. As the company's most senior accounting leader, this role defines Northwood's financial foundation, establishes the systems and standards that guide our operations, and builds a team that will support the company through its next phase of growth.

In this role you will have end-to-end ownership of our accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (CPA or CMA a plus).
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior assistant-controller or senior accounting role.
• Experience in a start-up or manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Hands-on and detail-oriented, with willingness to handle transactional tasks as well as strategic projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end accounting operations, close processes, and financial reporting.
• Develop internal controls and support audits, tax filings, and investor reporting.
• Build and mentor a high-performing accounting team as the company scales.
• Implement financial systems and tools to enable growth and efficiency.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business

CPA or CMA a plus

Tools

NetSuite or similar

Job description

About Northwood:

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

Northwood is seeking a Controller to build and lead our accounting function from the ground up. As the company's most senior accounting leader, this is a unique opportunity to define Northwood's financial foundation, establish the systems and standards that guide our operations, and build a team that will support the company through its next phase of growth.

In this role you will have end-to-end ownership of our accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance. You'll ensure our financial records are accurate, our monthly close is reliable, and our organization is audit-ready, while navigating the financial complexities of a rapidly growing hardware and technology business.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that combines strategic ownership with day-to-day execution. You'll work closely with leadership across the company to establish financial discipline, shape how our accounting operations scale, and build a function that will support Northwood for years to come.

Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Close:

• Lead the in-house transition of accounting functions (monthly close, AP/AR, payroll management, revenue recognition & cost accounting systems design)
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting 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

Controls, Audit & Tax:

• Build and own the company’s internal controls to keep us clean and get us audit-ready but still agile
• Own the relationship with external auditors and prepare us for our first audit
• Own tax compliance, coordinating with outside tax advisors to navigate Northwood's domestic and international tax requirements
• Build and oversee the company’s financial infrastructure, implement functional accounting strategies, reporting frameworks, and internal controls
• Establish and champion company-wide financial controls that promote financial discipline and responsible spending

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

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (CPA or CMA a plus)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior assistant-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.