Merlin is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Manager of SEC Reporting & Internal Controls to join its growing Finance team. This role is critical to the company's public company compliance obligations and will be responsible for the preparation and filing of all SEC periodic reports, supporting the development of a robust internal control framework under SOX, and partnering cross-functionally to ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial disclosure.
This is a high-visibility, high-impact role at a company that recently completed a transformative business combination and is building its SEC reporting and internal controls capabilities from the ground up. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and brings deep technical accounting knowledge combined with strong business acumen.
Responsibilities:
Lead the preparation, review, and timely filing of all SEC periodic reports including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, as well as proxy statements, and registration statements
Draft and maintain MD&A, financial statement footnotes, earnings releases, and related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC rules and regulations
Coordinate with external auditors on quarterly reviews and annual audits, including PBC schedules and audit support documentation
Monitor evolving SEC disclosure requirements, FASB/PCAOB standards, and guidance from the SEC staff; assess applicability to Merlin and implement necessary changes
Manage the EDGAR filing process, including XBRL/iXBRL tagging and inline XBRL compliance
Support investor relations with financial data requests, earnings call preparation, and investor presentations
Lead the design, implementation, documentation, and ongoing assessment of the company's internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) framework in accordance with SOX Section 302 and 404
Coordinate with process owners across Finance, Legal, Operations, and IT to document key business processes, identify risks, and design effective controls
Manage the annual SOX scoping exercise, risk assessment, and testing calendar in coordination with external auditors
Prepare and maintain internal control documentation including process narratives, flowcharts, and risk and control matrices (RCMs)
Facilitate testing of design and operating effectiveness; track and remediate control deficiencies and material weaknesses
Partner with IT and cybersecurity teams on IT general controls (ITGCs) and application controls relevant to financial reporting systems
Research and document complex accounting issues including revenue recognition (ASC 606), stock-based compensation (ASC 718), business combinations (ASC 805), warrant accounting, and government contract accounting
Prepare and maintain technical accounting position papers and white papers to support the company's accounting policies
Support implementation of new accounting standards and assess impact on existing disclosures and internal controls
Serve as a key liaison between Accounting, Legal, FP&A, and Investor Relations to ensure consistent and accurate financial messaging
Support the Audit Committee in preparing materials for quarterly and annual meetings
Assist with special projects including secondary offerings, financing activities, and M&A due diligence as needed
SEC Reporting & Financial Disclosure
Internal Controls (SOX Compliance)
Technical Accounting & Policy
Cross-Functional Partnership
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required
5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a minimum of 3 years at a Big 4 or large regional public accounting firm with public company audit experience
Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and SOX compliance
Hands-on experience with 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K preparation and EDGAR filing processes
Strong working knowledge of XBRL/iXBRL tagging and inline XBRL requirements
Ability to research, interpret, and apply complex technical accounting guidance
Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet strict deadlines
Nice to Have:
Experience with emerging growth companies (EGC) or smaller reporting companies (SRC) and the related disclosure accommodations
Experience at a SPAC or company that has recently completed a business combination or IPO
Familiarity with government contract accounting, cost accounting standards, or aerospace/defense industry revenue recognition
Experience with Workiva or similar SEC reporting and disclosure management platforms
Prior experience building or scaling an internal controls function at an early-stage public company
Graduate degree (MBA, MSA) a plus
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- CPA certification
- 5-8+ years of progressive accounting experience
- Minimum of 3 years at a Big 4 or large regional public accounting firm with public company audit experience
- Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and SOX compliance
- Hands-on experience preparing 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and managing EDGAR filing processes
- Strong working knowledge of XBRL/iXBRL tagging and inline XBRL requirements
- Ability to research, interpret, and apply complex technical accounting guidance
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA (must be able to work on-site)
- Experience with emerging growth companies, SPACs, government contract accounting, Workiva, or scaling internal controls
- Graduate degree (MBA, MSA)
What We Do
All of the sky, none of the limits. Merlin Labs is building the autonomous infrastructure for the sky above us, enabling goods, and eventually people, to fly without pilots. The Merlin Labs team is building the definitive autonomy system for all things that fly. We’re creating sophisticated software and hardware that fulfill the functions of a human pilot.
