Controller

Kraken Kinetics•Pinehurst, NC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges. Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY ™ when it matters most. POSITION SUMMARY Location : On-site at our Pinehurst, NC area facility As we build out our finance function, we are seeking an experienced Controller to own the accounting operations of the company. Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Controller will be responsible for the integrity of the general ledger, monthly close, financial statements, and internal controls. This is a hands-on leadership role that will also supervise an accountant and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners. The ideal candidate is a strong technical accountant who thrives in a fast-moving manufacturing environment and is excited to help build scalable financial infrastructure from the ground up.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
5–8 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role
Strong technical GAAP accounting knowledge including revenue recognition, inventory, and fixed assets
Hands-on experience managing a full monthly close cycle
Experience with ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Demonstrated ability to design and maintain internal controls in a small-to-mid-size business environment
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively across functions and with external partners
US Citizen
This position requires special access to U.S. government information. You must be a U.S. citizen for consideration

Nice To Haves

CPA license is preferred
Experience in manufacturing, defense, or a product-driven industry with cost accounting exposure
Experience with various ERP including SAP, NetSuite, Quickbooks
Experience building accounting infrastructure
Exposure to inventory costing methods (standard cost, FIFO, weighted average)
Proficiency in Power BI, Tableau, or similar data visualization tools

Responsibilities

Own the full-cycle accounting function including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and fixed assets
Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial statements
Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
Maintain the chart of accounts and ensure consistent application of accounting policies across all cost centers and product lines
Oversee inventory accounting and cost of goods sold in coordination with operations
Prepare accurate and timely GAAP financial statements including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
Develop and maintain management reporting packages for the Head of Finance and executive leadership
Design, implement, and maintain a robust internal control environment appropriate for a growth-stage manufacturer
Ensure compliance with GAAP and all applicable federal, state, and local tax and regulatory requirements
Coordinate annual financial statement audit and tax return preparation with external CPA firm
Manage sales and use tax filings, business licenses, and other statutory compliance obligations
Maintain and enforce accounting policies and procedures across the organization
Serve as the Finance team’s primary owner of the accounting system, ensuring data integrity and system configuration
Collaborate with the Head of Finance on ERP roadmap and future system upgrades or migrations
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy in accounting operations
Partner with operations, supply chain, and HR to ensure accurate cost capture, payroll processing, and vendor management
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and tax advisors
Support the Head of Finance on special projects, scenario modeling, and strategic financial initiatives