Finance Lead

Swarm Aero•Oxnard, CA

6h•$130,000 - $210,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results. The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic. The Opportunity There's a version of a finance career where the systems are already built, the playbook is written, and your job is to execute. It's stable. It's predictable. And for the right person at the right time, it's exactly what they need. This isn't that role. We're looking for someone ready to trade the comfort of the established for the ownership of the unknown. You'll be the person who builds the infrastructure, writes the playbook, and grows with the company they helped shape. As our first dedicated finance hire, you'll wear multiple hats and set the foundation for everything that comes after. You'll also get a front-row seat to the strategic side of the business, including supporting fundraising activities. If you've built a strong technical foundation in accounting and are ready to expand your perspective beyond the close, this is a rare chance to do exactly that.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Direct experience in hardware manufacturing, R&D, or inventory-intensive businesses
Proven track record managing full-cycle accounting independently
ERP implementation or configuration experience (NetSuite strongly preferred)
Strong GAAP knowledge and understanding of internal controls
Startup mentality: resourceful, adaptable, comfortable with ambiguity

Nice To Haves

CPA certification (or actively pursuing)
Aerospace, automotive, or defense industry experience
Exposure to Series A/B stage startups or high-growth environments
Cost accounting, inventory management, and bill-of-materials experience
Familiarity with government contracting or project/job-cost accounting
Experience supporting audits or implementing SOX controls
Knowledge of revenue recognition standards (ASC 606)
SQL or data analytics skills
Prior experience building a finance function from scratch

Responsibilities

Own the full accounting cycle: month-end/year-end close, AP/AR, cash management, and financial reporting
Lead the selection, implementation, and configuration of our ERP (NetSuite preferred) to support current operations and future manufacturing needs
Build and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and scalable processes from the ground up
Prepare financial statements, variance analyses, management reports, budgets, and forecasts for leadership and board reporting
Design and implement cost accounting systems for hardware manufacturing—including inventory, WIP, and COGS tracking
Partner with operations, engineering, and supply chain as a trusted financial advisor on key business decisions
Support fundraising efforts, manage audit relationships, and ensure GAAP and regulatory compliance

Benefits

Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k
PTO and Paid Sick Time
Monthly Wellness Stipend
Daily catered lunch to office
Paid Parental leave
Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems
Relocation benefit; bonus and pay bump