Senior Manager, External Reporting & Compliance

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.

SEC Reporting & Financial Disclosure

• 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

Internal Controls (SOX Compliance)

• 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

Technical Accounting & Policy

• 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

Cross-Functional Partnership

• 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

• 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

• 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

The compensation range provided is a good-faith estimate based on a wide range of factors, inclusive of base salary only. The actual offer will be determined by a variety of factors including the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, and training. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Merlin's total compensation package. Additionally, Merlin offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees.