Finance & Accounting Manager

Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results. 

The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic. 

About the Role 

We are seeking an experienced Finance & Accounting Manager to lead core accounting operations during a critical growth phase. This role will own day-to-day accounting execution, ensure financial accuracy and controls, and scale systems and processes to support a rapidly growing hardware manufacturing organization. The ideal candidate brings strong accounting fundamentals, hands-on manufacturing experience, and a proven ability to build and operate scalable accounting infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, cost accounting, and financial reporting 

• Own all core accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, cost accounting, and financial reporting

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong internal controls

• Prepare financial statements, variance analyses, and supporting schedules; ensure integrity of accounting data within the ERP/accounting system

• Design, implement, and scale accounting processes, systems, and controls to support company growth

• Build and maintain cost accounting processes for hardware manufacturing, including inventory, WIP, and COGS tracking

• Partner closely with operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to ensure accurate financial capture of manufacturing activity

• Lead ERP and accounting system implementation, optimization, and ongoing administration

• Collaborate with Strategic Finance to align accounting outputs with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting needs

Required Qualifications 

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience 
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA strongly preferred) 
• Direct experience in hardware manufacturing or R&D environments, with deep understanding of inventory accounting, cost of goods sold, and manufacturing cost structures 
• Proven track record of scaling accounting operations and implementing new financial systems and processes 
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial compliance requirements 
• Experience with NetSuite strongly preferred 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
• Ability and willingness to travel to our Oxnard headquarters for onsite collaboration and meetings  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Aerospace or automotive industry experience highly valued 
• Experience with contract manufacturing, supply chain finance, or complex bill of materials 
• Background in venture-backed or high-growth startups 
• Knowledge of government contracting or defense industry accounting requirements 
• Familiarity with project accounting and job costing 
• Experience managing audits and implementing SOX controls 

What we Offer: 

• Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company 
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience 
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k
• PTO and Paid Sick Time
• Monthly Wellness Stipend
• Daily catered lunch to office
• Paid Parental leave
• Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
• World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems
• Relocation benefit; bonus and pay bump

Compensation Range:

• $150,000- $210,000 + Equity 
• We offer a flexible hybrid arrangement during your first year, with the expectation of relocating to within commuting distance of our Oxnard, CA office by months 10-12, with expenses covered and a pay bump. Travel to the office will be required as needed, with frequency increasing as projects move into testing and production.