Financial Controller

Windward; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Windward is seeking a seasoned Controller in the United States to anchor the U.S. finance function and align with the global team. You will report to the VP Finance and partner with Sales VPs and senior leaders to drive financial rigor and informed decisions.

Based in Washington, DC, you will own US reporting, controls, payroll, benefits, and tax processes, leveraging NetSuite. A CPA and 4–6 years in similar roles are required in a fast-growing environment.

Qualifications

• CPA is required to fulfill US regulatory responsibilities.
• 4–6 years of experience in a Controller or senior accounting role.
• Experience with NetSuite and US payroll.
• Strong communication and executive stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work in DC with in-office presence.

Responsibilities

• Lead ongoing financial reporting for the U.S. entity.
• Serve as the primary finance contact for senior US leaders.
• Own financial controls and month-end/quarter-end close.
• Oversee U.S. payroll.
• Support US benefits processes.
• Work with NetSuite for entries, controls, reporting.
• Partner with centralized Finance on reporting and reconciliations.
• Identify risks and improve internal controls.
• Own and implement U.S. Sales Tax processes.

Skills

Financial reporting

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

US payroll knowledge

Education

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Tools

NetSuite

Payroll systems

Sales tax knowledge

Job description

Windward is a global maritime intelligence company experiencing significant growth in the U.S. market. While the company's core Finance organization is based outside of the US, we are looking for a strong, experienced Controller to serve as the local finance presence in the United States — acting as an extension of our global finance function and working closely with senior U.S. business leadership.

About the Role

This role is designed for a confident, experienced Controller who can represent the finance function on the ground in the U.S. You will work directly with senior stakeholders — including Sales VPs — and must be comfortable operating independently, holding your own in the room, and driving financial rigor across the U.S. entity. The role reports to the VP Finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ongoing financial reporting for the U.S. entity, in close coordination with the global Finance team
• Serve as the primary finance point of contact for senior U.S. business leaders, including Sales VPs — providing financial insight and support for business decisions
• Own financial controls, month-end/quarter-end close processes, and compliance with U.S. regulatory requirements
• Oversee and manage U.S. payroll
• Support US Benefits processes
• Work within NetSuite for entries, controls, and reporting
• Partner closely with the centralized Finance team on reporting, reconciliations, and process alignment
• Identify risks and drive improvements to internal controls within U.S. operations
• Own and implement U.S. Sales Tax processes — including nexus analysis, registration, filing, and ongoing compliance across relevant states

Requirements

• CPA (must)
• 4-6 years of experience in a Controller / senior accounting role
• Ability to work independently and confidently with senior executives; strong presence when engaging with Sales VPs and other business leaders
• Excellent communication skills; comfortable working cross-culturally with a global finance organization, flexible working hours will be needed at times.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Sales Tax rules and compliance requirements
• DC.-based to allow at least 3 days a week in the office
• Experience working with NetSuite
• Experience managing or supporting U.S. payroll

Nice to Have

• Experience in global technology companies / multi-entity corporate structures
• Active U.S. security clearance — a significant advantage