finance

Controller

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Controller, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

As the Controller, you will play a critical role in shaping our financial strategy. You will oversee the accounting department, manage financial reporting, and drive the budgeting process. This position requires a proactive leader with a keen eye for detail and the ability to analyze complex financial data. The Controller will collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business initiatives and enhance financial performance.

Responsibilities: 

  • Oversee all accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and the general ledger.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process, including preparation, analysis, and presentation of budget proposals to senior management.
  • Develop financial forecasts and monitor performance against budgets, identifying variances and providing actionable insights.
  • Coordinate and manage annual audits, serving as the primary contact for external auditors.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations, as well as industry standards.
  • Monitor cash flow and manage the company’s financial risk, ensuring liquidity for operational needs.
  • Develop strategies for optimizing cash flow and improving working capital management.
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting team, promoting professional growth and a high-performance culture.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
  • Provide financial insights and strategic recommendations to senior management to support decision-making and business growth.
  • Analyze financial data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks, preparing reports for management review.
  • Continuously evaluate and enhance financial processes and systems for efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Stay informed of industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes to ensure the company remains compliant and competitive.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA designation preferred.
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance.
  • 3+ years in a managerial or leadership role.
  • 2+ years in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting standards, and tax regulations.
  • Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with high attention to detail.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Experience with facilities within an aerospace industry
  • Logical and strategic approach to solving problems
  • Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Additional Requirements:

  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
Salary Range: California
$175,000—$190,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
 
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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