Corporate Controller

Saildrone•Alameda, CA

39d•Onsite

About The Position

Saildrone designs, builds, and operates autonomous surface vehicles (USVs) that deliver persistent maritime intelligence in some of the most remote and contested environments on earth. We are scaling rapidly and expanding global production and operational deployments. The Controller will be responsible for building and leading Saildrone's accounting function with rigor, accuracy, and operational discipline. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will own the month-end close process, internal controls, financial reporting, audit management, payroll and accounting systems. This role requires someone who is hands-on, detail-driven, and comfortable improving and scaling processes in a fast-moving environment. The ideal candidate has deep technical accounting experience, a strong command of U.S. GAAP, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations. This person must hold an active CPA. Defense experience a plus.

Requirements

15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a controller or assistant controller role.
Experience within SaaS, hardware/manufacturing, or defense sectors strongly preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in revenue recognition (ASC 606), inventory accounting, and project-based cost accounting.
Prior exposure to government contracting (FAR/DCAA) compliance a strong plus.
Strong ERP experience (e.g., NetSuite, Costpoint, SAP, or similar).
Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
Proven ability to thrive in a high-growth, cross-functional environment.
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required

Nice To Haves

Defense experience a plus.
Netsuite experience a plus
Prior exposure to government contracting (FAR/DCAA) compliance a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Own the month-end and quarter-end close process and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting
Maintain the general ledger, chart of accounts, and internal controls
Prepare financial statements in accordance with the U.S. GAAP
Lead and manage annual financial audits, tax filings, and compliance requirements
Implement and enforce accounting policies, operational controls, and documentation standards
Oversee technical accounting for complex revenue arrangements, including multi-element SaaS and hardware contracts
Ensure compliance with inventory valuation, capitalization, and cost accounting requirements
Support DCAA, DCMA and other government compliance reviews ensuring defense-related accounting practices meet FA/CAS standards
Define repeatable financial processes that scale with growth
Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Engineering to ensure accurate cost accounting of parts, builds, WIP, CapEx, and inventory
Support analysis of gross margin, unit costs, overhead allocation, and production scaling
Work closely with FP&A to support forecasting and budgeting
Evaluate and improve accounting and ERP/MRP system workflows. Netsuite experience a plus
Drive automation and simplification of manual reporting processes
Establish accounting operations infrastructure that scales with a multi-site build and deployment footprint
Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing accounting team
Establish a culture of ownership, accountability, and precision
Comfortable with a fast-paced, demanding environment

Benefits

Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
Company sponsored life insurance
Stock Options
Annual stipend for continued learning and development
Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card

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