Controller / Director of Finance (Pre‑IPO, Consulting to Full‑Time)

About the role

Dronazon is building the first scheduled autonomous cargo carrier in the Americas and is preparing for a public market listing within 12 months. Reporting to the CFO, you will design and own the financial infrastructure for a dual‑revenue airline that serves both commercial cargo routes and U.S. defense contracts.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the monthly close, chart of accounts, and general ledger to create audit‑ready books from scratch.
• Develop route‑level P&L reporting, including cost per flight, cost per pound‑mile, and contribution margin by segment.
• Build and maintain a full‑burden unit‑economics model covering operating costs, maintenance reserves, insurance, regulatory overhead, depreciation, and fleet availability.
• Model revenue recognition for scheduled cargo contracts, take‑or‑pay agreements, cost‑plus and fixed‑price government contracts, and premium medical/pharma lanes.
• Drive the annual budget, quarterly reforecast, and a 3‑to‑5‑year financial model for investor due diligence.
• Prepare U.S. GAAP financial statements, coordinate external audits, and support SEC filing preparation for the S‑1 registration.
• Ensure DCAA‑compliant cost accounting and reporting for U.S. government contracts.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in finance leadership within aviation, logistics, or defense contracting environments.
• Proven ability to build finance functions from the ground up in high‑growth, pre‑IPO companies.
• Deep understanding of U.S. GAAP, PCAOB audit standards, and DCAA cost accounting requirements.
• Strong analytical mindset focused on route economics, load factors, and cycle costs.

Required skills

• U.S. GAAP
• PCAOB audit standards
• DCAA cost accounting
• Financial modeling
• Budgeting and forecasting

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the finance function of a pioneering autonomous airline.
• Transition from a consulting engagement to a permanent leadership role within 90‑120 days.
• Exposure to both commercial cargo and high‑impact U.S. defense contracts.