Our client, a leading research and security firm specializing in protecting embedded devices and firmware across critical infrastructure is seeking a Controller.
Location: Remote (U.S.-based) | NYC headquarters East Coast preferred
Compensation: $160,000–$200,000 base + bonus + equity
About the Company
We are a fast-growing, venture-backed cybersecurity software company specializing in embedded device and firmware security for both government and commercial customers. Our technology protects mission‑critical systems used in national defense, aerospace, satellite communications, automotive, and enterprise infrastructure.
Founded over a decade ago and backed by top-tier investors, the company operates at the intersection of deep technology, government contracting, and commercial SaaS, with approximately 30 employees today and significant growth ahead. The culture is entrepreneurial, innovation-forward, and execution-focused.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a hands-on Controller to own the accounting and finance function as the company scales. This is a true “build-and-own” role reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
The Controller will be the senior finance leader in the business, responsible for everything from day-to-day accounting operations to government contract compliance, FP&A, and strategic financial insight. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, enjoys autonomy, and is comfortable rolling up their sleeves.
Remote is fully supported; candidates local to NYC are welcome but not required.
Role Breakdown
- 40% Accounting
- 25% Government Contracting (GovCon)
- 20% FP&A
- 5% HR / Payroll-related activities
- 10% Ad hoc / special projects
Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Operations
- Own all aspects of accounting, including AP, payroll, general ledger, journal entries, and month-end close
- Lead balance sheet reconciliations, labor distribution, and revenue recognition
- Manage cash flow, burn rate, and working capital
- Maintain strong internal controls and GAAP compliance
- Oversee vendor payments and expense classification
- Manage timekeeping systems, job codes, and PTO banks
Government Contracting
- Act as Contracts Administrator for U.S. Government contracts
- Lead interactions with DCAA and DCMA (audits, compliance, negotiations)
- Develop and manage indirect cost rates, provisional billing rates, and incurred cost submissions
- Support proposal cost volumes, pricing, FAR/DFARS compliance, and post-award administration
- Oversee invoicing, job costing, revenue recognition, contract modifications, and closeouts
FP&A & Reporting
- Build and maintain financial models for revenue, expenses, and cash runway
- Prepare monthly financial packages and executive dashboards (KPIs, utilization, burn)
- Produce monthly utilization reporting for engineering teams
- Support strategic planning and growth initiatives
Equity, Tax, and Compliance
- Manage stock administration, cap table, and stock-based compensation
- Lead annual 409A valuation with third-party firm
- Coordinate all federal, state, and local tax filings with external tax advisors (including estimates and 1099s)
- Calculate and process quarterly commissions
Process Improvement
- Evaluate and improve financial systems and tools (currently QuickBooks; ERP experience welcomed)
- Drive automation and scalable processes as the company grows (e.g., Ramp implementation)
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
- 7+ years of experience combining public accounting and industry roles
- Strong U.S. Government contracting experience (DCAA/DCMA, indirect rates, FAR/DFARS)
- Deep understanding of GAAP and operational accounting
- Highly detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and organized
- Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with senior leadership
- U.S. Citizen (must be clearable)
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA designation
- Experience in a growth-stage or venture-backed environment
- Prior work in GovCon + commercial SaaS or technology companies
- Experience with QuickBooks and/or ERP implementations
- Active or prior Secret/Top Secret clearance, or willingness to obtain one
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role is best suited for a senior, hands-on finance professional (typically 10–15 years of experience) who:
- Is comfortable being a “one-person finance team”
- Has seen growth and understands scale-related challenges
- Is proactive, not reactive
- Enjoys building, fixing, and improving processes
- Brings strong energy, ownership mentality, and long-term commitment
No job hoppers. Stability and judgment matter here.