Controller, Shift5
$180-235k
+ Bonus + Equity
Security platform for aerospace, rail & defense
Be an early applicant
Security platform for aerospace, rail & defense
101-200 employees
Be an early applicant
$180-235k
+ Bonus + Equity
101-200 employees
Company mission
To build a smarter, safer, and more secure world by creating resilient and mission-ready fleets.
Role
Who you are
- A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- An active CPA license is highly preferred
- Deep technical knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, and internal control frameworks
- A proven track record of scaling accounting functions, including developing policies, implementing systems, and improving processes from the ground up
- Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically, thinking big picture as well as being comfortable rolling up sleeves to execute detailed accounting work
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems, with NetSuite experience being a significant plus. Experience with equity management platforms (Carta or equivalent)
- Excellent leadership and team management skills with the ability to mentor and develop staff
- Exceptional analytical skills, strong organizational abilities, impeccable attention to detail, and a commitment to financial integrity
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to both financial and non-financial stakeholders
- Deep experience within a private venture-capital (VC) or private-equity (PE) backed company is required. Understand the pace, reporting requirements, and strategic mindset of a high-growth, investor-backed business
- Strong understanding of US GAAP, including, but not limited to, ASC 606 for Revenue Recognition, ASC 718 for Stock-Based Compensation, and ASC 350-40 for Capitalization of Internal-Use Software
- Experience in inventory management is a plus, but not required
- Familiarity with U.S. Government contract accounting (e.g., FAR) is a plus, but not required
What the job involves
- Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Controller will be a key leader responsible for building and scaling a best-in-class accounting function
- This isn't just about closing the books; it's about building the financial infrastructure, processes, and controls that will enable Shift5 to scale efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity
- You will be a trusted business partner to leadership, providing the data and insights necessary for strategic decision-making
- If you are a seasoned accounting professional who thrives on building, improving, and leading in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, this role is for you
- Own the Core Accounting Function: Lead all accounting operations including general ledger, A/R, A/P, inventory, fixed assets, payroll, and the monthly/quarterly/yearly financial close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with US GAAP. The Controller is a hands-on leader who not only oversees accounting operations, but also actively participates in key accounting activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close tasks
- Scale Systems & Processes: Drive continuous process improvement across the accounting function. Partner with the Financial Reporting function to lead the optimization of NetSuite and other financial systems to build a scalable and efficient financial technology stack
- Develop and Maintain Internal Controls: Design, implement, and maintain a robust internal control environment that safeguards company assets and ensures financial data integrity as the company grows in complexity. Develop and enforce accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant operations
- Manage Financial Reporting: Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements and reports for senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders (investors, lenders)
- Oversee Complex Revenue and Project Accounting: Manage revenue recognition and project-based accounting across a diverse portfolio of commercial and government customers, ensuring proper cost allocation and compliance with contractual terms
- Equity and Stock Administration: Manage all aspects of equity and stock administration, including option grants, exercises, cancellations, repurchases, and vesting. Prepare all equity accounting/reporting and financial disclosures/footnotes related to equity compensation. Partner with HR and Legal to ensure proper documentation and compliance with plan rules, board approvals, and securities regulations
- Serve as a Strategic Partner: Collaborate closely with the FP&A team to ensure data integrity for budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Partner with Operations, Legal, and Contracts teams to ensure financial and contractual alignment
- Lead Audits and Compliance: Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing the annual financial audit process through audit report issuance. Oversee tax compliance in partnership with external advisors and other regulatory reporting
- Mentor and Develop the Team: Build and lead a high-performing accounting team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Develop team members’ technical and professional skills through coaching, feedback and training
Our take
Shift5 dominates the fairly niche area of protecting transportation and military systems from cyberattacks. It delivers an observability platform for onboard operational technology (OT), that enables real-time decision intelligence from the single asset level to across entire fleets.
With the Biden administration making efforts to improve cybersecurity among federal governmental agencies, Shift5 is well primed to profit from its specific focus on defending transportation networks. By operating in an area that is both massively underserved and rapidly growing, there is no doubt opportunities will continue to fall at the company's feet in the coming years.
With an enormous amount of funding raised, Shift5 has invested in expansion and product development, as well as growing its team. It already supports multiple branches of the US military including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Special Operations. Its recent release of a new module for predictive maintenance further enhances the platform's value, with it now able to help improve fleet readiness and avoid critical failures.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
19% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 6 rounds)
Sep 2025
$75m
SERIES C
Jun 2023
$33m
SERIES B
Total funding: $182.1m
Company benefits
- Employer paid health insurance
- 401k employer contribution
- HSA employer contribution
- Share options
- Flexible and unlimited paid time off
- Flexible and hybrid work options
- Three months paid parental leave
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
Company HQ
Radnor - Fort Myer Heights, Arlington, VA
Leadership
Josh Lospinoso
(CEO)Currently a Board Member for the Association of American Rhodes Scholars and a Venture Partner at First In. Acted as CTO for RedOwl Analytics and has served as a Captain in the US Army.
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