Controller

Role

Northwood is seeking a Controller to build and lead our accounting function from the ground up. As the company's most senior accounting leader, this is a unique opportunity to define Northwood's financial foundation, establish the systems and standards that guide our operations, and build a team that will support the company through its next phase of growth.

In this role you will have end-to-end ownership of our accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance. You'll ensure our financial records are accurate, our monthly close is reliable, and our organization is audit-ready, while navigating the financial complexities of a rapidly growing hardware and technology business.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that combines strategic ownership with day-to-day execution. You'll work closely with leadership across the company to establish financial discipline, shape how our accounting operations scale, and build a function that will support Northwood for years to come.

Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Close:

• Lead the in-house transition of accounting functions (monthly close, AP/AR, payroll management, revenue recognition & cost accounting systems design)

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting 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

Controls, Audit & Tax:

• Build and own the company’s internal controls to keep us clean and get us audit-ready but still agile

• Own the relationship with external auditors and prepare us for our first audit

• Own tax compliance, coordinating with outside tax advisors to navigate Northwood’s domestic and international tax requirements

• Build and oversee the company’s financial infrastructure, implement functional accounting strategies, reporting frameworks, and internal controlsEstablish and champion company-wide financial controls that promote financial discipline and responsible spending

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

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (CPA or CMA a plus)

• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior assistant-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: