Controller

ND Defense is seeking an experienced Controller to lead our accounting function, reporting directly to the CFO. This role owns all aspects of accounting, reporting, and internal controls across the organization as ND Defense expands beyond tactical wheeled vehicles into maritime, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and energy. The ideal candidate is a CPA with deep expertise in General Ledger management, managing and streamlining receivables and payables operations, and optimizing close processes who thrives in a high-growth environment. Experience in defense or project-driven manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting and Reporting

• Complete responsibility over the General Ledger, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and chart of accounts maintenance across all multiple business units and entities
• Lead all month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial reporting
• Manage AP and AR functions including oversight of aging, fixed assets, collections, vendor payment cycles and working capital management in a high-growth environment
• Prepare and present monthly financial statements, variance analyses from budget, and management reports to the CFO and executive leadership
• Leverage AI-powered accounting tools and automation to streamline close processes, identify anomalies, and support the finance function in revisions to budgeting and forecasting.
• Develop and maintain executive-level KPI dashboards and financial reporting infrastructure to track company-wide performance metrics in real time
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable government contract accounting standards (FAR/DFARS/CAS)
• Maintain working knowledge of national and local tax regulations; ensure timely compliance filings

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Design, implement, and maintain internal controls over financial reporting appropriate for a growing defense manufacturer
• Serve as primary liaison for external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies; oversee annual audit preparation
• Ensure compliance with DCAA audit requirements and cost accounting standards
• Maintain and enforce company-wide accounting policies and procedures

Team Leadership and Operations

• Build, mentor, and manage the accounting team across all departments and divisions, scaling as the company enters new verticals
• Evaluate and improve ERP configurations and workflows to support multi-entity, multi-vertical operations
• Partner with the CFO on cash flow management, treasury operations, and strategic financial planning
• Collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain, contracts, and operations to ensure accurate cost accounting and project tracking

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or closely related field; active CPA license required
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including 2-3 years as Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting lead
• AI Automated 3-way match and cash app, and/or AI – Agentic experience preferred.E xperience leveraging AI tools, data analytics platforms, and/or automation to improve accounting operations
• Deep expertise in general ledger management, receivable and payable operations, and recurring monthly and annual financial close processes
• Strong knowledge of GAAP within defense and manufacturing industries; familiarity with government contract accounting (FAR/CAS) highly desirable
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (Infor/LN preferred) and demonstrated ability to optimize accounting workflows
• Experience building and maintaining KPI dashboards and financial reporting tools for executive audiences
• Must have well developed leadership and people skills with a proven ability to partner successfully within and across diverse teams and personalities.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience in defense, aerospace, or government contracting (strongly preferred)
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or AI-driven tools for financial dashboard development and maintenance
• Experience supporting rapid company growth including expansion into new product lines or industry verticals
• Familiarity with multi-entity accounting structures and international operations
• Experience with DCAA audits and compliance in a defense manufacturing environment

WHY ND DEFENSE

ND Defense is at an exciting inflection point — expanding from our core strength in tactical wheeled vehicles into maritime, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and energy. As Controller, you'll build and lead the accounting function of a growing defense company, work directly with the CFO, and play a pivotal role in building something lasting. We offer competitive compensation, strong benefits, and the opportunity to make a real impact.

ND Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.