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Senior Manager, External Reporting & Compliance

Merlin Labs


Job Location:

Boston, MA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 180000 - 240000
Posted: 17 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 22 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

About Merlin:
Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full-stack autonomy for any aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot autonomy system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles and has been proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from Merlins global flight test facilities including Kerikeri New Zealand; Quonset Point Rhode Island; and soon Bedford Massachusetts. Headquartered in Boston Merlin is expanding its organization to accelerate the development and deployment of its autonomy platform helping customers solve some of aviations most pressing challenges from pilot shortages to improving flight safety. Backed by some of the worlds leading investors prior to its public listing Merlin continues to advance the certification and commercialization of autonomous flight across commercial and defense aviation.

About You:

Merlin is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Manager of SEC Reporting & Internal Controls to join its growing Finance team. This role is critical to the companys public company compliance obligations and will be responsible for the preparation and filing of all SEC periodic reports supporting the development of a robust internal control framework under SOX and partnering cross-functionally to ensure accurate timely and transparent financial disclosure.

This is a high-visibility high-impact role at a company that recently completed a transformative business combination and is building its SEC reporting and internal controls capabilities from the ground up. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced dynamic environment and brings deep technical accounting knowledge combined with strong business acumen.

Responsibilities:

SEC Reporting & Financial Disclosure

  • Lead the preparation review and timely filing of all SEC periodic reports including Forms 10-K 10-Q and 8-K as well as proxy statements and registration statements

  • Draft and maintain MD&A financial statement footnotes earnings releases and related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC rules and regulations

  • Coordinate with external auditors on quarterly reviews and annual audits including PBC schedules and audit support documentation

  • Monitor evolving SEC disclosure requirements FASB/PCAOB standards and guidance from the SEC staff; assess applicability to Merlin and implement necessary changes

  • Manage the EDGAR filing process including XBRL/iXBRL tagging and inline XBRL compliance

  • Support investor relations with financial data requests earnings call preparation and investor presentations

Internal Controls (SOX Compliance)

  • Lead the design implementation documentation and ongoing assessment of the companys internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) framework in accordance with SOX Section 302 and 404

  • Coordinate with process owners across Finance Legal Operations and IT to document key business processes identify risks and design effective controls

  • Manage the annual SOX scoping exercise risk assessment and testing calendar in coordination with external auditors

  • Prepare and maintain internal control documentation including process narratives flowcharts and risk and control matrices (RCMs)

  • Facilitate testing of design and operating effectiveness; track and remediate control deficiencies and material weaknesses

  • Partner with IT and cybersecurity teams on IT general controls (ITGCs) and application controls relevant to financial reporting systems

Technical Accounting & Policy

  • Research and document complex accounting issues including revenue recognition (ASC 606) stock-based compensation (ASC 718) business combinations (ASC 805) warrant accounting and government contract accounting

  • Prepare and maintain technical accounting position papers and white papers to support the companys accounting policies

  • Support implementation of new accounting standards and assess impact on existing disclosures and internal controls

Cross-Functional Partnership

  • Serve as a key liaison between Accounting Legal FP&A and Investor Relations to ensure consistent and accurate financial messaging

  • Support the Audit Committee in preparing materials for quarterly and annual meetings

  • Assist with special projects including secondary offerings financing activities and M&A due diligence as needed

Qualifications:
  • Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or related field; CPA required

  • 58 years of progressive accounting experience including a minimum of 3 years at a Big 4 or large regional public accounting firm with public company audit experience

  • Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP SEC reporting requirements and SOX compliance

  • Hands-on experience with 10-K 10-Q and 8-K preparation and EDGAR filing processes

  • Strong working knowledge of XBRL/iXBRL tagging and inline XBRL requirements

  • Ability to research interpret and apply complex technical accounting guidance

  • Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet strict deadlines

Nice to Have:
  • Experience with emerging growth companies (EGC) or smaller reporting companies (SRC) and the related disclosure accommodations

  • Experience at a SPAC or company that has recently completed a business combination or IPO

  • Familiarity with government contract accounting cost accounting standards or aerospace/defense industry revenue recognition

  • Experience with Workiva or similar SEC reporting and disclosure management platforms

  • Prior experience building or scaling an internal controls function at an early-stage public company

  • Graduate degree (MBA MSA) a plus

$180000 - $240000 a year

The compensation range provided is a good-faith estimate based on a wide range of factors inclusive of base salary only. The actual offer will be determined by a variety of factors including the candidates qualifications skills experience education and training. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Merlins total compensation package. Additionally Merlin offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees.

This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston MA.
Once youre here youll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day and a selection of beverages including coffee tea and other drinks to keep you refreshed.
Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally
Merlin Labs offers an innovative entrepreneurial and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health dental life unlimited vacation and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.
Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race religion color national origin genetic information sex (including pregnancy) gender gender identity and expression sexual orientation age marital status military service or obligation or disability status or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.
At this time we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
In compliance with federal law all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application interviewing completing any pre-employment testing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process please direct your inquiries to: emailprotected
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Required Experience:

Senior Manager


About Company

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Merlin is the aviation technology company propelling the future of fully autonomous flight.

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