Controller

CONTROLLER Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid on-site) Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance ABOUT NODA NODA is a veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. Our finance and accounting function is the backbone that makes NODA fundable, auditable, and operable as a federal contractor. The Controller owns the books, the close, and the compliance posture that allow the rest of the company to move fast on the technical mission. Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration. THE ROLE We are seeking a Controller to build and lead NODA’s accounting and financial operations function from the ground up. This is a 0-to-1 role: you will own the general ledger, the close, the audit, the indirect rate structure, and the systems that make a defense technology company financially scalable from Series A through Series B and beyond. You will work directly with the founding team and finance leadership to stand up the infrastructure required to operate as a federal contractor — DCAA-compliant accounting, FAR-aligned indirect rate pools, audit-ready records, and the billing and reporting rhythm that government contracts demand. This role is for someone who has done the work inside a Big 4 audit practice, knows what “good” looks like in defense accounting, and is ready to build it from scratch in a venture-backed environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Accounting Operations • Own day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, AP, AR, payroll integration, and month-end close • Build and maintain the chart of accounts, indirect cost pools, and cost structure required for government contracting • Establish close calendars, reconciliation procedures, and accounting policies that scale with the business • Manage external relationships with auditors, tax preparers, banking partners, and outsourced accounting providers as the function transitions in-house Government Contract Compliance • Stand up and maintain a DCAA-compliant accounting system, including timekeeping, labor distribution, and indirect cost allocation • Develop and submit provisional billing rates, incurred cost submissions (ICE), and forward pricing rate proposals as required • Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and CAS as applicable to NODA’s contract portfolio • Support pre-award accounting system reviews, DCAA audits, and contract-specific compliance requirements • Partner with contracts and program teams on contract setup, billing, and revenue recognition across cost-reimbursable, fixed-price, OTA, and SBIR vehicles Financial Reporting and Audit Readiness • Produce timely, accurate monthly and quarterly financial statements for management and board reporting • Lead preparation for the company’s first external audit and own audit readiness as the company scales toward Series B • Establish revenue recognition policies aligned with ASC 606 across prototype, production, and government contract revenue • Implement internal controls appropriate to company stage, with a clear roadmap toward public-company readiness Systems and Infrastructure • Select, implement, and administer the accounting, billing, expense, and payroll systems that will carry NODA from early stage through scale • Build the integrations and reporting layer that connect financial systems to project accounting, contracts, and operations • Establish documentation, SOPs, and training for finance processes as the team grows Reports to: VP of Operations REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field • Active CPA license • 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a foundation in Big 4 audit • Direct experience with government contract accounting, including DCAA-compliant systems, indirect rate development, and incurred cost submissions • Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and CAS • Experience owning month-end close and producing GAAP financial statements • Proficiency with modern accounting and ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, Unanet, Deltek Costpoint, or comparable) • Strong Excel modeling and analytical skills • U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain a security clearance PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Big 4 audit experience with a defense, aerospace, or government contracting client portfolio • Prior Controller or Assistant Controller experience at a venture-backed defense technology company • Hands-on experience standing up a DCAA-compliant accounting system from scratch • Experience supporting a Series B or later equity financing, including audit readiness and investor diligence • Familiarity with OTA, SBIR, IDIQ, and hybrid prototype-to-production contract structures • Experience with revenue recognition under ASC 606 in a mixed commercial and government environment • Prior military, government, or defense industry experience • Existing security clearance SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES • Builder’s mindset with the discipline to operate inside the rules that govern federal contracting • Strong technical accounting foundation paired with the judgment to make practical calls in a fast-moving environment • Comfortable owning ambiguity: writing the policy, selecting the system, and standing up the process where none exists • High attention to detail without losing sight of strategic priorities • Clear communicator who can translate accounting and compliance constraints into language that engineers, operators, and executives can act on • Mission-driven and motivated by the work NODA is doing for national security customers BENEFITS & PERKS Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: - We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans - 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals + Company match - Equity grants for new hires - Unlimited PTO - 11 Paid holidays - Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December. - Generous Parental Leave - Military Leave for annual training or service requirements - FSA - DCFSA - HSA - Professional Development Opportunities - Access to One Medical https://www.onemedical.com/ - Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well. GROWTH PATH AT NODA As NODA scales, the Controller has a direct path into senior finance leadership — VP of Finance or CFO succession — or the opportunity to build and lead a broader accounting and FP&A organization as the company grows from Series A through production-scale defense programs. Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 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 otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Equal Opportunity Statement NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.   As a federal contractor, NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting, hiring, and employment process.   Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws, including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities, to apply.   NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@NodaIntelligence.ai or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.