Our V2 aircraft carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles, while our next-generation V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000+ miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane, enabling long-range autonomous delivery without traditional runway infrastructure.
Today, Skyways aircraft operate across three continents in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight and in support of U.S. military operations. We are transitioning from prototype development to full-rate production and scaling toward large autonomous cargo fleets.
Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas.
The Opportunity
Skyways is preparing for its first institutional audit. As Controller, you'll own all accounting operations end to end: month-end close, technical accounting, audit delivery, policy administration, and scoping our ERP migration. This is a hands-on builder role: you'll be in the GL from day one, designing the systems that take us from this funding round to the next and beyond. You'll report to the VP of Finance and partner closely with the CEO, our audit firm, and leadership across Manufacturing, Engineering, and Commercial.
What You'll Do:
Own month-end close end to end, deliver a board-ready close package by Day 10, and lead technical accounting across ASC 606 (multi-stream revenue), ASC 842, and ASC 718
Lead our first institutional audit and build the systems to scale us to public company audit readiness
Administer and build out Skyways' finance policies: spend, T&E, revenue recognition, capitalization, lease accounting, internal controls
Lead the ERP selection and implementation to replace QuickBooks, redesigning our chart of accounts and finance architecture for scale
Build the accounting team; partner with our outsourced tax counsel, and auditors
Partner with the VP of Finance on capital structure and treasury operations
What You'll Bring:
7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including prior Controller, Assistant Controller, or Big 4 Senior Manager experience
Lived through at least one institutional audit cycle, with strong technical accounting depth in ASC 606 and ASC 842
ERP implementation experience (as lead, participant, or consultant)
Hands-on disposition, comfortable in the GL on Monday and in front of the CEO on Tuesday
Direct, low-ego, high-ownership style; signal over noise
Bonus Points:
Active or inactive CPA
Public accounting foundation (Big 4 or top-tier regional)
Manufacturing, hardware, aerospace, or government contracting experience
Start up fundraising or pre-IPO experience
Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more!
Due to U.S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or candidates from specific countries authorized under applicable export control regulations.
Skyways is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
