Controller
Northwood Space
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Finance
About Northwood:
Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company focused on connecting space and Earth. The world runs on space. Space will run on Northwood. Our global ground network ensures that missions ranging from national security, to global connectivity, to disaster response can unlock their full potential and operate every day without fail.
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, the Controller 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:
Strategic & 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)
9+ 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:
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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood 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.