Director of Accounting

About the role

The Director of Accounting will oversee the accounting operations of a rapidly growing defense startup, Allen Control Systems (ACS), which is developing autonomous gun turrets for detecting and neutralizing enemy drones. The role involves managing the general ledger, driving accurate and timely financial statements, leading an ERP implementation, and overseeing various accounting functions including AP, AR, and payroll.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations across general ledger, AP, AR, and payroll accounting; own the close calendar and drive accurate, on-time financial statements;
• Review reconciliations and journal entries for quality and completeness;
• Serve as a key implementer on the ERP rollout, covering chart of accounts design, data migration, testing, and go-live;
• Apply revenue recognition policy across a complex contract mix including fixed-price hardware, cost-reimbursable R&D, OTAs, FMS, and multi-element arrangements under ASC 606;
• Prepare technical accounting memos for Controller review;
• Operate standard costing for Bullfrog and future product lines including BOM costing, labor routing, overhead absorption, and variance analysis;
• Maintain GAAP-compliant financial statements and manage audit preparation including PBC schedules, support requests, and auditor follow-ups;
• Execute and monitor internal controls appropriate for a government contractor; support DCAA readiness;
• Manage fixed asset accounting including capitalization, depreciation schedules, asset tagging, and physical inventory of capital equipment;
• Supervise, mentor, and develop the accounting team; provide review and quality control over their work;
• Support the Controller and FP&A with actuals, reporting packages, and variance explanations.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience including direct team management;
• CPA strongly preferred;
• Hands-on experience owning a monthly close at a manufacturing, hard-tech, or government-contracting company;
• Working knowledge of U.S. government contracts including OTAs, price-based, and cost-based FAR contracts;
• Solid ASC 606 application to multi-deliverable structures;
• Manufacturing cost accounting including standard costing, BOM, variance analysis, and overhead absorption;
• Experience with a fixed asset base in an industrial manufacturing environment including capitalization, depreciation, asset tagging, and physical inventory;
• Experience contributing to or supporting an ERP implementation;
• Demonstrated people management including hiring, mentoring, and developing accounting staff;
• Comfortable using AI tools such as Claude or Copilot in daily accounting and analytical work.

Qualifications

• Big Four experience in public audit or assurance services;
• Experience with DCAA-compliant accounting systems and federal Cost Accounting Standards;
• Experience supporting a Series C or later raise, with corresponding audit and investor reporting exposure;
• Experience standing up or improving close processes and accounting systems in a high-growth environment; multi-entity or multi-currency accounting.

Skills

• Strong financial acumen;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting software;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Allen Control Systems offers a competitive salary, equity package, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Pay

Competitive salary

Schedule

On-site in Austin, TX or remote with 50% travel