Controller

About Primordial Labs We're building the next generation interface for commanding autonomous systems in the real world. Our core product, Anura, translates spoken or typed intent into structured actions across drones, sensors, and mission software - enabling faster, more intuitive control in high-stakes environments. We’re a distributed team of engineers, operators, and technologists focused on deploying reliable autonomy at the tactical edge. The Opportunity Primordial Labs is hiring a Controller to own accounting from the ground up. As our company scales across the Department of War and commercial markets, so does our need for financials that are accurate, audit-ready, and built for government contracting. You'll report to our Director of Finance and own the close, controls, technical accounting, audit, tax, and our DCAA and DCMA relationships. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment. We’re looking for someone who wants to build an accounting function, not inherit one. From the start, you’ll evaluate existing processes and reshape them with your expertise. What You'll Do

Financial Reporting & Close:

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close end to end, delivering timely and accurate financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
• Oversee all general ledger activity, account reconciliations, and DCAA-compliant labor distributions.
• Build and deliver monthly reporting packages for executive leadership, the Board, and external parties as needed.
• Document the close process and keep improving it through automation as the team scales.

Accounting Operations:

• Oversee banking, billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, timekeeping, expense reporting, and fixed assets.
• Design, document, and test internal controls, including segregation of duties and DCAA-compliant timekeeping and labor charging.
• Ensure accounting processes meet government contract requirements, including identifying and segregating unallowable costs.
• Own our accounting (QuickBooks) and timekeeping (Rippling) systems, and lead the selection and implementation of a fully integrated GovCon ERP.

Technical Accounting:

• Write, implement, and maintain the company's accounting policies as its technical accounting lead.
• Prepare technical memos for complex transactions and evaluate new accounting standards.
• Own accounting conclusions in complex areas, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), inventory, leases (ASC 842), stock-based compensation (ASC 718), and business combinations (ASC 805).
• Partner with the Director of Finance to advise leadership on the accounting impact of new contracts, financings, and acquisitions.

Audit, Tax & Compliance:

• Own the annual financial statement audit end to end, including the relationship with external auditors.
• Keep audit schedules current year-round.
• Coordinate with our external tax firm on returns, provision, and R&D and other credits.
• Maintain multi-state registrations and filings, and oversee sales and use tax and any international filings as we grow.
• Own the company's relationship with DCAA and DCMA, supporting requests and audits as they come.
• Partner with the Director of Finance to develop and maintain indirect rates and related filings, including incurred cost submissions.

About You

• Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; active CPA license required.
• 10+ years of accounting or finance experience, including time in a leadership role.
• Government contracting experience, including FAR Part 31 cost principles and DCAA expectations for accounting systems.
• Hands-on experience leading a financial close.
• Experience setting up or maintaining compliant timekeeping and labor distribution.
• Experience leading a financial statement audit.

Skills:

• Strong expertise in U.S. GAAP, technical accounting, and internal controls.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with QuickBooks or a similar accounting system.
• A habit of using automation to remove manual work from daily accounting workflows.
• Comfortable working as a player/coach, willing to jump in to get the job done.
• Clear communicator who can explain accounting impacts to engineers, executives, and government auditors alike.
• Self-directed and organized in a fully remote environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in defense tech or at a venture-backed startup.
• Experience with cost-type contracts, indirect rate structures, or incurred cost submissions.
• Public accounting experience, ideally with government contractor clients.
• Experience selecting or implementing a GovCon ERP (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, or similar).
• Experience building an accounting team at a growing company.

Important Qualification Note: Due to the nature of our work and federal compliance requirements, this position strictly requires U.S. Citizenship and current residency within the United States. Please note that Permanent Residency (Green Card status) or visa sponsorship cannot satisfy these specific regulatory requirements.

Compensation

Compensation for this position includes a target base salary of $150,000 - $195,000 annually, with the specific figure determined by the candidate's experience level. We’re committed to fair and equitable compensation and are happy to explain how we determine our salary ranges, just ask! Our Benefits

• Beyond a Competitive Salary, we provide a significant equity stake, aligning your growth with ours.
• 100% Remote: This role is fully remote, open to residents across the US. We believe that talent knows no borders (well, except for the US in this case!).
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans so you and your family can stay healthy and worry free.
• Retirement Planning: Plan for tomorrow with our 401(k) package, complete with a generous 6% company match.
• Generous DTO: Our generous Discretionary Time off (DTO) policy is all about helping you take the breaks you deserve and live your healthiest, most fulfilling life.
• Elite Technology Package: Enjoy an elite technology package to make your work effortless and efficient.

Our Interview Process Our interview process is designed to be thorough and respectful of your time. It typically includes:

• Conversation with the People Team: Lets get to know one another first!
• Manager Interview: A 45-minute discussion about relevant financial concepts and your past experience.
• Team Interviews: Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. During this stage, you’ll meet your prospective peers to discuss our team dynamics, project workflows, and how we work together to win.

We are committed to a low-stress interview experience - no trick questions or brain teasers!

Primordial Labs is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We firmly believe that a diverse team enriches our problem-solving capabilities, sparks greater creativity, and ultimately leads to a better product and a more vibrant company. We understand that great talent comes from various paths and that passion and transferable skills are invaluable. At Primordial Labs, what truly matters is your ability to make an impact, your dedication to our mission, and your capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative atmosphere. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where you can contribute your unique talents, expand your skills, and learn continuously. If you’re driven to make a real impact, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification.