Controller

Location: Austin TX (Hybrid on-site)

Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance

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.

We are seeking a Controller to build and lead NODAs 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.

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 NODAs 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 companys 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

Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or related field

Active CPA license

7 years of progressive accounting experience including a foundation in Big 4 audit

Direct experience with government contract accounting including DCAA-compliant systems indirect rate development and incurred cost submissions

Working knowledge of FAR DFARS and CAS

Experience owning month-end close and producing GAAP financial statements

Proficiency with modern accounting and ERP systems (e.g. NetSuite Unanet Deltek Costpoint or comparable)

Strong Excel modeling and analytical skills

U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain a security clearance

Big 4 audit experience with a defense aerospace or government contracting client portfolio

Prior Controller or Assistant Controller experience at a venture-backed defense technology company

Hands-on experience standing up a DCAA-compliant accounting system from scratch

Experience supporting a Series B or later equity financing including audit readiness and investor diligence

Familiarity with OTA SBIR IDIQ and hybrid prototype-to-production contract structures

Experience with revenue recognition under ASC 606 in a mixed commercial and government environment

Prior military government or defense industry experience

Existing security clearance

Builders mindset with the discipline to operate inside the rules that govern federal contracting

Strong technical accounting foundation paired with the judgment to make practical calls in a fast-moving environment

Comfortable owning ambiguity: writing the policy selecting the system and standing up the process where none exists

High attention to detail without losing sight of strategic priorities

Clear communicator who can translate accounting and compliance constraints into language that engineers operators and executives can act on

Mission-driven and motivated by the work NODA is doing for national security customers

Our culture fosters collaboration respect and trust empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer comprehensive medical dental and visions plans

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals Company match

• Equity grants for new hires

• Unlimited PTO

• 11 Paid holidays

• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in November & December.

• Generous Parental Leave

• Military Leave for annual training or service requirements

• FSA

• DCFSA

• HSA

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Access to One Medical

• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services such as free legal and financial support are available to you as well.

As NODA scales the Controller has a direct path into senior finance leadership VP of Finance or CFO succession or the opportunity to build and lead a broader accounting and FP&A organization as the company grows from Series A through production-scale defense programs.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 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 otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse inclusive and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin age disability genetic information protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

As a federal contractor NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting hiring and employment process.

Consistent with applicable federal state and local laws qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds including women minorities protected veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.

NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive supportive and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process please dont hesitate to reach out to us at or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.