Controller

About the role

Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we're looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within. Role Overview The Controller will serve as a senior leader within the Finance organization. This executive will be responsible for building, scaling, and leading a best-in-class accounting function capable of supporting a complex, high-growth business with rigorous financial reporting, audit, compliance, and internal control requirements. This is a high-impact, high-visibility leadership role requiring deep technical accounting expertise, strong operational discipline, and the ability to lead through scale. The Controller will own the integrity of the company's financial reporting, drive a timely and accurate close process, ensure audit readiness, strengthen internal controls, and partner cross-functionally with executive leadership to support strategic growth initiatives. The ideal candidate has operated in a public-company environment or similarly rigorous reporting environment and brings a proven track record of scaling accounting organizations, implementing robust financial infrastructure, and leading teams through increasing operational complexity. This leader must be equally comfortable advising at the executive and Board level, developing scalable processes, and diving into the details when needed.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Close
• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Own the company's close process, ensuring timely, accurate, and scalable financial reporting while continuously improving close timelines, process quality, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee general ledger activity, account reconciliations, consolidation processes, and overall financial statement integrity.
• Develop and deliver high-quality financial reporting packages for executive leadership, the Board stakeholders, and, as applicable, Audit Committee audiences.
• Establish reporting standards, review mechanisms, and operating rhythms that support accuracy, accountability, and executive-level decision-making.
• Technical Accounting
• Monitor, assess, and lead implementation of new accounting pronouncements and evolving reporting requirements.
• Advise the CFO and executive leadership on the accounting implications of strategic initiatives, transactions, customer contracts, financing activities, acquisitions, and new business models.
• Partner with Legal, FP&A, Operations, Supply Chain, and external advisors to ensure accounting positions are well-documented, supportable, and aligned with company objectives.
• External Reporting & Readiness
• Build financial reporting processes, documentation, and governance practices aligned with public-company standards and increasing external scrutiny.
• Partner with external auditors, legal counsel, and other advisors on complex reporting, disclosure, and compliance matters.
• Contribute to the company's readiness for enhanced external reporting requirements, including preparation for future liquidity events, large-scale financing, public-company expectations, or other significant corporate milestones.
• Support the preparation of materials for Board and Audit Committee engagement, including financial reporting updates, audit matters, control environment updates, and key accounting judgments.
• Audit, Tax & Compliance
• Serve as the primary executive liaison for external auditors, managing the annual audit and any interim or quarterly review processes.
• Ensure audit readiness through disciplined documentation, strong accounting processes, timely issue resolution, and a proactive approach to auditor engagement.
• Oversee tax compliance in partnership with external providers, including federal, state, local, and international filings as applicable.
• Ensure accounting and reporting processes are designed to support compliance with regulatory, contractual, and government contracting requirements where applicable.
• Risk, Controls & Compliance
• Design, implement, and maintain a scalable internal control framework that supports the company's growth, operational complexity, and reporting obligations.
• Partner with Internal Audit or equivalent functions to identify key risks, evaluate control effectiveness, and ensure ap

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