Controller

What is JetZero? 

Today’s aircraft contribute around 4% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 200 million cars. This is only going to increase: Air travel is forecasted to double by 2050, while meaningful efficiency gains using current airplanes have hit a wall. 

JetZero is developing a blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft. It uses up to 50% less fuel and will be built to accommodate zero-emission hydrogen propulsion. JetZero is the inevitable solution to sustainable air travel. 

The JetZero team 

We are experienced aerospace professionals and engineers, excited about the future. That future will only be possible if we share our vision and what it means to people’s lives: carbon-free flight that' is better for both passengers and airlines around the world. 

JetZero is seeking a Controller to join the team and own the accounting function end-to-end. This role will focus on building the team, streamlining the close process, and preparing the company for the rigor of public-company reporting. This role will report to the CFO and serve as the technical accounting backbone of a hardware-intensive, dual use aerospace company scaling toward full-scope airplane OEM with the path towards public offering. If you want to build something from the ground up in a category-defining company, this is the role.

What You’ll Do:

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

• Own and manage GAAP-compliant month-end close, driving cycle time toward a 15-day target within the first year.
• Ensure complex accounting issues are identified and addressed on a monthly basis
• Translate technical accounting findings into clear, actionable language for executive leadership.

Audit & Compliance

• Lead the relationship with external auditors and manage completion of the annual financial audit.
• Present audit findings and remediation plans to internal executive leadership.
• Build and maintain documentation, internal controls, and reporting frameworks consistent with public-company requirements.

Operations & Process Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements across the accounting function — there is significant greenfield opportunity here.
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable to ensure timely incoming and outgoing payments.
• ·Oversee cost accounting for physical product manufacturing, including defense contract compliance.
• Manage multi-currency consolidation across international entities.
• Partner with executive leadership on tax incentive management and related reporting.

Team Building

• Hire, develop, and lead an accounting team able to support public company-level requirements into the future.
• Establish scalable workflows and clear ownership as the function grows in complexity and headcount.

 Who You Are:

• A technically deep, hands-on accounting leader who thrives in ambiguity and is energized by building a function
• Comfortable operating without a playbook. Able to drive opportunities for improvement into action plans and implement them.
• Comfortable within a dynamic start-up environment where priorities are dynamically and constantly adjusted, while being able to maintain rigor required of the accounting and controlling function.
• A clear communicator who can translate complex accounting into language that lands with operators and executives alike.
• Naturally curious and detail-oriented, with a sharp eye for inconsistencies and a process-minded approach to solving them.
• Excited by the intersection of hard tech, aerospace, and defense — and motivated by the mission, not just the role.

What You Bring:

• CPA (active)
• 8+ yearsof progressive accounting leadership experience, including time in a startup, manufacturing or hardware environment
• Public accounting background, big 4 firm a significant plus
• Demonstrated experience building and leading an accounting team
• Cost accounting expertise for manufactured products
• Defense contracting accounting knowledge (FAR/DFARS compliance)
• IPO readiness experience — preparation of SEC-required documentation and public-company reporting
• Multi-currency consolidation across international subsidiaries
• Hands-on experience managing external audit

Preferred Skills

• Experience scaling a company from growth stage through IPO
• Familiarity with government tax incentive programs (R&D credits, CHIPS Act, etc.)
• Comfort operating in a fast-moving, resource-constrained startup environment
• Leading edge knowledge of AI integration into accounting / finance functions – a significant plus

Compensation:

Our compensation package is a blend of base salary and equity options for eligible employees. The base salary is one part of a broader compensation package and is determined within a set range. These ranges are based on market benchmarks for each role, level, and location.

The expected salary range for this position is between $220,000 and $250,000.

 Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO 
• 10 paid holidays 
• 401(k) 
• Medical, Dental, Life insurance 
• Disability Insurance 
• Life Insurance 
• Equity tax advisory services 
• Supportive work culture

The Interview Process  

We want our interview process to be a true reflection of our culture: transparent and collaborative. Throughout the interview process, your recruiter will guide you through the next steps and ensure you feel prepared every step of the way.  

• Our First Chat: During this first conversation, you’ll meet with a recruiter or hiring team member to chat through your background, what you could bring to our team, what you are looking for in your next role, and who we are.  
• The Hiring Manager Interview: You will meet with your potential future boss to really dive into the role, the team, expectations, and what success means at JetZero. This is your chance to really nerd out with someone in your field.  
• The Panel: Learn more about the team, responsibilities, and workflows. You should be prepared to speak about past projects, how you collaborate and communicate with others, and how you live our values. Depending on the team and role you are interviewing for, you may meet with several teammates as well as cross-functional partners.  
• The Executive Review: A chance to meet an executive and view JetZero from a different lens. Be prepared to ask well-thought-out questions about the company, culture, and more. 

Depeneding on the position you are interviewing for, there may also be a Take Home Exercise as part of the interview proccess. Our assessments seek to test the hard skills required to do the job. Your recruiter will inform you of which assessment you will be assigned and ensure you are fully prepared for your big day.  

JetZero does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. 

At JetZero, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws, ordinance, or regulation.