Controller

About the role

We're looking for our first controller to help us bring order to chaos. You are ambitious and thrive in a fast-paced and quickly evolving environment, but are also detailed, process oriented, and organized. You are strategic. You're focused on where we're going and build the plans and processes to support our goals. You are analytically rigorous. You have a deep bias towards using data and analyses to drive decisions. Your second language is performance metrics and you have a deep understanding of how to continue improving those metrics. You're excited to iterate. At this point we're still learning. You're energized by the prospect of creating new tools and processes to make the company operate more effectively, and not afraid to make changes when the first, or second, attempt can be improved. As the Controller, you'll work not only on traditional accounting tasks - monthly close process, accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting, tax planning, and compliance - but also play a critical role in building the processes and workflows to lay the groundwork for scaling an efficient and effective finance organization as the organization grows. This role reports to the Head of Finance.

Responsibilities

• Modernize the finance stack
• Lead the migration from QuickBooks to a modern AI-first ERP (DualEntry, Rillet, Campfire, or similar) and - when required, likely in 2027 - add an inventory management system
• Build automations and AI-native workflows into close, AP, AR, expense, and reporting - replacing manual process wherever possible and enabling more granular and accurate financial data for business decisions
• Be opinionated about which workflows belong in finance vs. the broader business, particularly in a fast-growing start-up context
• Own the books, close, and controls
• Lead month-end close, financial reporting, audit, tax, and compliance
• Own AP, AR, payroll, GL, T&E with one direct report (initially)
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and audit-readiness across all accounting functions
• Partner on the decisions, not just the reports
• Be a thought partner on reporting that reflects what the business is actually doing and that informs upcoming strategic and operational decisions
• Assist with investor communications and in translating finance for non-finance leaders

Requirements

• CPA + bachelor's or higher in Accounting or Finance
• 8+ years of accounting experience, with some as a Controller
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting; Big 4 company audit experience
• Unwavering detail orientation. This role gets the books right first. Big-picture business sense is a real plus - and we hope you bring it - but it doesn't substitute for accuracy and rigor.
• Comfort building automations, ideally that incorporate AI - you don't wait for IT or vendors to ship the tools you need
• Startup pragmatism: gets the details right without imposing process on the rest of the business
• US Person; clearance eligible
• Big plus (
• Led the migration of a foundational system (ERP, inventory management, billing, or similar) in a startup culture - migrating to a modern AI-first E

Additional Information

Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China-from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives. Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We're building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status-proving that disruption doesn't require an ego, and staying power doesn't mean standing still.

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