Finance Compliance Manager

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.

As a Finance Compliance Manager, you are a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, specifically within the defense contracting industry. You are meticulous, detail-oriented, and have a strong grasp of the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other defense-related compliance requirements. You thrive in environments where collaboration and innovation intersect, and you are adept at driving process improvements that enhance organizational compliance while minimizing risks. Your expertise allows you to develop efficient financial and compliance procedures and provide actionable insights that support program and corporate objectives.

• Lead the development and implementation of company-wide processes and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with CAS, FAR, DFARS, and other relevant regulations.
• Establish and maintain procedures for assessing compliance requirements based on contract specifications, including determining the appropriate level of compliance for each contract.
• Conduct financial analysis and oversee budgetary requirements for contracts, ensuring alignment with contractual and program obligations.
• Prepare detailed program-level financial reports to inform senior leadership, offering recommendations and insights for improving compliance and financial performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to integrate and enforce compliance with federal regulations across the organization, identifying gaps and implementing corrective actions when needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in finance, accounting, or compliance, ideally within the defense contracting industry.
• Extensive knowledge of CAS, FAR, and DFARS regulations, with demonstrated experience in applying these standards.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct in-depth financial analysis and provide actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management.
• Proven ability to lead compliance initiatives and work collaboratively across departments.

• Experience with Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits and reporting.Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle, particularly in a compliance context.
• Prior experience with government proposal preparation and contract negotiation.

Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.

Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background, export control and reference checks. 

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.