Controller
About Northwood:
Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.
Role:
We are seeking a Controller to serve as the financial backbone of our organization, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution. This individual will design and implement financial systems, drive forecasting and planning, and provide executive-level insights, while also ensuring that core accounting operations such as invoice entry and accounts receivable are executed with accuracy and timeliness.
Beyond managing the numbers, this role will play a key role in building the finance team and shaping a company-wide culture around thoughtful spending, accountability, and resource stewardship. This is a unique opportunity to help define the financial DNA of a growing technology company.
Responsibilities:
Strategy & Leadership:
Lead the in-house transition of accounting functions (monthly close, AP/AR, payroll management, revenue recognition & cost accounting systems design)
Build and oversee the company’s financial infrastructure, implement functional accounting strategies, reporting frameworks, and internal controls
Partner with leadership on business planning, capital strategy, and operational decision-making
Provide timely and insightful financial reporting to executives, board members, and investors
Establish and champion company-wide financial controls that promote financial discipline and responsible spending
Play a leadership role in shaping the company’s culture around cost-awareness and ROI-driven decision-making
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team as the company scales
Evaluate and implement financial systems and tools that enable growth and efficiency
Support external audits, tax filings, and investor reporting
Accounts Payable (AP):
Process vendor invoices, match POs to receipts, ensure proper coding of expenses and ensure timely payments
Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies
Manage expense reimbursements and corporate credit card reconciliations
Maintain accurate AP records and ensure compliance with internal controls
Assist in maintaining the vendor master file, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with tax requirements (e.g., W-9s, 1099s)
Prepare AP aging reports and other financial reports for review by management
Accounts Receivable (AR):
Generate, track and send customer invoices in alignment with contracts
Monitor collections, follow up on outstanding balances, and support cash flow forecasting
Reconcile AR accounts and resolve billing disputes
Partner with sales and operations to ensure accurate billing information
Prepare AR aging reports and other financial reports to estimate cash inflows
Support liquidity and cash flow planning, analyze variances between forecasted and actual receipts
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (CPA or CMA a plus)
10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior controller or senior accounting role
Experience in a start-up or manufacturing environment strongly preferred
Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., NetSuite or similar)
Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, ASC 606 and internal controls
Hands-on and detail-oriented, with willingness to handle transactional tasks as well as strategic projects
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience in the aerospace, satellite, telecommunications, or defense industries
Proficient in SQL or other data tools for supplier and quality analytics
Startup or fast-paced environment experience a plus
Additional Information:
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by 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.
Skills
As published by ashby · 11 questions · 1 written answer
Basics
Legal Name (First Name Last Name), Email, Resume
Short answers (6)
- Preferred Name optional
- Phone Number
- LinkedIn Profile optional
- Website/Portfolio optional
- How did you hear about this job?
- What is the earliest date you are available to start this position?
Pick from a list (4)
- This role requires working in person at our Torrance, CA office five days per week. Does this work for you?
- The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person". The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. To assist Northwood Space Inc. in assessing its export compliance obligations in relation to your application, please identify which statement best applies to you:
- Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?
- Will you require sponsorship from Northwood for employment now or in the future (i.e. H1-B visa)
Written answers (1)
- Share a project you're especially proud of and explain what made your contribution meaningful (2-3 sentences or bullet points)
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