The Corporate Controller will lead accounting and compliance operations, manage financial reporting, ensure regulatory compliance, and support business development in a defense technology startup.
Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.
We are seeking an experienced Corporate Controller to lead our accounting, compliance, and financial operations in a rapidly scaling defense technology startup. The ideal candidate has deep familiarity with FAR/DFARS, government contracting compliance, and cost accounting in both R&D and production environments. This individual will establish and refine the financial control framework that supports complex program lifecycles—from prototype development through low-rate initial production and full-rate manufacturing
Responsibilities:
- Lead the accounting and compliance function, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP, FAR/DFARS, and internal control standards.
- Oversee cost accounting and indirect rate structures, maintaining compliance with CAS and DCAA audit requirements.
- Own the month-end close and financial reporting process, including preparation of financial statements, program-level reporting, and management dashboards.
- Support proposal pricing and cost volume development, working closely with program management and business development to build compliant, competitive bids.
- Design and implement accounting systems, policies, and procedures to support both development programs and production contracts.
- Coordinate audits and reviews, including DCAA, financial statement, and internal controls audits.
- Partner cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and contracts to align operational performance with financial outcomes.
- Manage treasury, insurance, and tax relationships, ensuring adequate liquidity and risk coverage as the company scales.
- Develop, mentor, and grow a high-performing accounting team capable of supporting the company’s rapid growth and government contracting complexity.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required.
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a government contracting or defense environment.
- Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, CAS, and DCAA compliance requirements.
- Experience supporting both development (R&D) and production programs, ideally in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing.
- Expertise in proposal pricing, cost buildup, and audit-ready documentation.
- Proven ability to implement scalable financial systems (ERP) and internal controls in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Startup experience or the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, high-growth environment preferred.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), program cost tracking, or government billing systems.
- Exposure to hybrid commercial/defense revenue models (e.g., dual-use technology).
- Prior experience in scaling from prototype to production environments.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.
- Frequent communication with team members, requiring clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 20 lbs (e.g., product samples, documentation, equipment).
- Ability to safely enter and move around industrial, production, or testing areas, including climbing stairs, bending, or wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Must be able to travel as needed to support sites
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
Top Skills
Cas
Dcaa
Dfars
Earned Value Management
Erp
Far
Gaap
Hermeus Los Angeles, California, USA Office
Los Angeles, CA, United States
Similar Jobs
.png)
Consumer Web • eCommerce • Machine Learning • Software • Sports • Analytics
As Corporate Controller, oversee financial statements, controllership functions, and lead a diverse accounting organization across multiple subsidiaries, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
Top Skills:
NetSuiteU.S. Gaap
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Software
The VP, Corporate Controller will oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls, leading enhancements for a multi-product SaaS company in a growth stage, with a focus on government sector clients.
Top Skills:
AIErpNetSuiteSalesforceWorkday
Digital Media • News + Entertainment
The VP Corporate Controller will oversee financial reporting, analysis, compliance, and lead global finance teams, ensuring adherence to IFRS and developing global tax strategies.
Top Skills:
AIIfrsRpaUs Gaap
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
