Corporate Controller

Overview :

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions.

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com .

Job Description Summary :

The Corporate Controller serves as a senior member of the financial leadership team at Draper, reporting to the Vice President, CFO & Treasurer.

This role oversees all accounting and financial operations activities and maintains a strong financial and internal control environment.

This is a highly visible position that plays a key role in financial operations, reporting and compliance for an organization in excess of $800 million of revenue and assets.

This role requires an ability to think strategically and tactically as well as demonstrate outstanding analytical, communication and leadership skills.

This role is approved for work from home with the ability to come into the office monthly and as needed for year-end. This role can be located at any of Draper's main offices (Cambridge, MA, Reston VA and / or St. Petersburg FL).

Job Description :

Duties / Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision and management of the Assistant Controller, the Manager of the Business Analysis Group, Payroll Manager, AP Supervisor, and the revenue recognition team.

Indirect oversight of additional accounting staff across disbursements, business analysis, and general ledger functions.

Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and financial reporting systems to ensure their integrity and compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.

Ensure timely and accurate monthly closing of financial books and records, including the proper reconciliation of general ledger accounts.

Oversees preparation of financial statements for external auditors; ensures statement and related footnotes are accurate and reliable.

Coordinate all external audit and tax activity, including the annual financial audit, ERISA audits, A-133 Federal compliance audit and 990 tax filings.

Maintain internal controls and safeguards for receipt of revenue, expenditures and reporting of all assets and liabilities.

Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO in setting the vision for the Finance organization, and to others across Draper leadership on matters related to proper accounting policies and procedures.

Consistently analyze and reconcile financial data; present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner and monitor results to keep senior leadership situationally aware of the organization's financial status.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to understand the business' current state and develop data driven insights that can be understood and implemented to drive organizational wide goals and strategies.

Develop and implement professional development programs for Accounting staff to maximize individual and organizational goals.

Support deployment of a new Accounting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool in July 2025.

Ensure revenue recognition in compliance with ASC 606 standards

Skills / Ability

Exceptional skills in leadership, critical thinking, analysis, and interpersonal interactions

Excellent management skills and ability to mentor, motivate and develop staff

Thorough knowledge of financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and commitment to remain current on accounting developments

Ability to coordinate audit activities and oversee reporting, accounts payable, general ledger, payroll, and travel activities

Ability to identify problems and initiate process improvements in accounting and reporting systems

Ability to effectively communicate key data, including presentations to senior management, the audit committee of the board of directors, and external partners;

ability to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels

Key liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and Audit Committee Chairperson

Demonstrated command of all relevant subject matter : EAC, ASC 606 revenue recognition, accounting principles and relevant federal acquisition regulations (CAS / FAR / DFARS).

Education

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline is required, a Masters Degree is preferred.

Experience

15+ years of experience driving high performing accounting teams in a rigorous and complex environment. CPA is preferred.

Additional Job Description :

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Active security clearance is desired.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City :

Cambridge

Job Location - State :

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code :

02139-3563

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com / careers .

Equal Employment Opportunity :

Draper is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

We understand the value of diversity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected] .