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