What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Accounting position at Allen Control Systems?
Company Overview
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.
With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders’ successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.
About The Role
ACS is in production, shipping autonomous counter-drone systems to SOCOM, the U.S. Army, and customers across multiple countries, and is on a clear trajectory to $1B in annual revenue. We are looking for a Director of Accounting to run the day-to-day accounting operation that scales with us from here, working directly under the Corporate Controller. You will own the integrity of the general ledger, drive an accurate and on-time close, and lead the accounting team through an ERP implementation and a growing scope that includes complex manufacturing operations, multi-contract government billing, and a growing fixed asset base. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who has run accounting operations at a high-growth, engineering-driven company and is ready to do it at a company moving faster and with higher stakes than most have touched before. Role is on-site in Austin, TX or remote with 50% travel.
What You’ll Do
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.
With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders’ successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.
About The Role
ACS is in production, shipping autonomous counter-drone systems to SOCOM, the U.S. Army, and customers across multiple countries, and is on a clear trajectory to $1B in annual revenue. We are looking for a Director of Accounting to run the day-to-day accounting operation that scales with us from here, working directly under the Corporate Controller. You will own the integrity of the general ledger, drive an accurate and on-time close, and lead the accounting team through an ERP implementation and a growing scope that includes complex manufacturing operations, multi-contract government billing, and a growing fixed asset base. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who has run accounting operations at a high-growth, engineering-driven company and is ready to do it at a company moving faster and with higher stakes than most have touched before. Role is on-site in Austin, TX or remote with 50% travel.
What You’ll Do
- Manage day-to-day accounting operations across general ledger, AP, AR, and payroll accounting; own the close calendar and drive accurate, on-time financial statements; review reconciliations and journal entries for quality and completeness.
- Serve as a key implementer on the ERP rollout, covering chart of accounts design, data migration, testing, and go-live; apply revenue recognition policy across a complex contract mix including fixed-price hardware, cost-reimbursable R&D, OTAs, FMS, and multi-element arrangements under ASC 606; prepare technical accounting memos for Controller review.
- Operate standard costing for Bullfrog and future product lines including BOM costing, labor routing, overhead absorption, and variance analysis; maintain GAAP-compliant financial statements and manage audit preparation including PBC schedules, support requests, and auditor follow-ups.
- Execute and monitor internal controls appropriate for a government contractor; support DCAA readiness; manage fixed asset accounting including capitalization, depreciation schedules, asset tagging, and physical inventory of capital equipment.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop the accounting team; provide review and quality control over their work; support the Controller and FP&A with actuals, reporting packages, and variance explanations.
- 7 years of progressive accounting experience including direct team management; CPA strongly preferred; hands-on experience owning a monthly close at a manufacturing, hard-tech, or government-contracting company.
- Working knowledge of U.S. government contracts including OTAs, price-based, and cost-based FAR contracts; solid ASC 606 application to multi-deliverable structures; manufacturing cost accounting including standard costing, BOM, variance analysis, and overhead absorption.
- Experience with a fixed asset base in an industrial manufacturing environment including capitalization, depreciation, asset tagging, and physical inventory; experience contributing to or supporting an ERP implementation.
- Demonstrated people management including hiring, mentoring, and developing accounting staff; comfortable using AI tools such as Claude or Copilot in daily accounting and analytical work.
- Big Four experience in public audit or assurance services.
- Experience with DCAA-compliant accounting systems and federal Cost Accounting Standards.
- Experience supporting a Series C or later raise, with corresponding audit and investor reporting exposure.
- Experience standing up or improving close processes and accounting systems in a high-growth environment; multi-entity or multi-currency accounting.
- Competitive salary
- ACS Equity Package
- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off