Corporate Controller

About Us

With more than 2 million nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone has earned the trust of governments worldwide. Our unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) deliver continuous, real-time intelligence in the toughest oceans on Earth—giving our partners faster awareness, stronger security, and a decisive edge at sea.

Our USVs are long-range, extreme-endurance platforms powered by advanced sensors and proprietary AI - they have been designed to operate where no crewed vessel can. They collect critical insights above and below the surface to support border security, law enforcement, naval operations, and undersea infrastructure protection.

Headquartered in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington, DC, and global deployment hubs, Saildrone operates missions worldwide. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and defense technology—where data turns into intelligence, and intelligence drives action.

The Role

Saildrone designs, builds, and operates autonomous surface vehicles (USVs) that deliver persistent maritime intelligence in some of the most remote and contested environments on earth. We are scaling rapidly and expanding global production and operational deployments. The Controller will be responsible for building and leading Saildrone’s accounting function with rigor, accuracy, and operational discipline.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will own the month-end close process, internal controls, financial reporting, audit management, payroll and accounting systems. This role requires someone who is hands-on, detail-driven, and comfortable improving and scaling processes in a fast-moving environment. The ideal candidate has deep technical accounting experience, a strong command of U.S. GAAP, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations.

This person must hold an active CPA. Defense experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Accounting Leadership & Financial Reporting

• Own the month-end and quarter-end close process and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting
• Maintain the general ledger, chart of accounts, and internal controls
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with the U.S. GAAP
• Lead and manage annual financial audits, tax filings, and compliance requirements

Controls, Compliance & Governance

• Implement and enforce accounting policies, operational controls, and documentation standards
• Oversee technical accounting for complex revenue arrangements, including multi-element SaaS and hardware contracts
• Ensure compliance with inventory valuation, capitalization, and cost accounting requirements
• Support DCAA, DCMA and other government compliance reviews ensuring defense-related accounting practices meet FA/CAS standards
• Define repeatable financial processes that scale with growth

Operational Finance Integration

• Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Engineering to ensure accurate cost accounting of parts, builds, WIP, CapEx, and inventory
• Support analysis of gross margin, unit costs, overhead allocation, and production scaling
• Work closely with FP&A to support forecasting and budgeting

Systems & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and improve accounting and ERP/MRP system workflows. Netsuite experience a plus
• Drive automation and simplification of manual reporting processes
• Establish accounting operations infrastructure that scales with a multi-site build and deployment footprint

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing accounting team
• Establish a culture of ownership, accountability, and precision
• Comfortable with a fast-paced, demanding environment

Required Skills and Experience

• 15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a controller or assistant controller role.
• Experience within SaaS, hardware/manufacturing, or defense sectors strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in revenue recognition (ASC 606), inventory accounting, and project-based cost accounting.
• Prior exposure to government contracting (FAR/DCAA) compliance a strong plus.
• Strong ERP experience (e.g., NetSuite, Costpoint, SAP, or similar).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in a high-growth, cross-functional environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required

Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always-sunny Alameda.

All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S. If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.

Benefits:

• Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
• Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Stock Options
• Annual stipend for continued learning and development
• Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
• Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, and relevant experience, among other factors.

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