AssistantController

## Description About Merlin: Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the world’s leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation’s biggest challenges. About This Role:   The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in the financial operations of Merlin, supporting the Corporate Controller in managing all aspects of accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance for a publicly traded government defense contractor. This position requires deep expertise in government contract accounting, SEC reporting obligations, and the unique regulatory environment governing defense industry finance. The Assistant Controller will lead a team of accounting professionals and serve as a key liaison between finance, program management, contracts administration, and external auditors. ## Responsibilities Financial Reporting & SEC Compliance Assist in the preparation of quarterly (10-Q) and annual (10-K) reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in compliance with U.S. GAAP and PCAOB standards. Support Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 compliance, including documentation, testing, and remediation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). Coordinate with external auditors (Big 4 or national firm) during quarterly reviews and annual audits. Prepare and review financial statements, footnotes, and MD&A disclosures for accuracy and completeness. Government Contract Accounting Oversee cost accounting practices in compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). Manage the preparation and submission of government-required financial reports, including DCAA audits, incurred cost submissions (ICS), and forward pricing rate proposals (FPRPs). Monitor and maintain complianc