Head of Finance

Job Title: Head of Finance

Industry: Defense Manufacturing

On-site Location: Southwestern DC (Quantico area) - Hybrid (2 days per week in office)

Relocation Provided: Yes

Salary Range: $170,000 – $200,000

Job Overview:

The Head of Finance is responsible for leading the organization's financial strategy, planning, and day-to-day finance operations. This role oversees accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and risk management while serving as a strategic partner to executive leadership. The Head of Finance will help ensure the financial health of the organization by delivering accurate insights, maintaining strong internal controls, and supporting long-term growth initiatives.

This is in a start-up environment, and you will be required to set up processes and procedures, reporting, and others from scratch. This is the first of its position for this growing defense client, and you will not be inheriting a perfect slate of developed processes and strategies. However, you will have wonderful support from leadership.

Minimum Requirements:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• CPA- Highly Preferred
• Proven leadership experience in a senior finance role
• Ability to oversee AP/AR/Payroll and supervise others
• Experience managing full-cycle accounting and financial operations
• Strong expertise in GAAP and financial reporting
• Advanced financial analysis, forecasting, and budgeting skills
• Proficiency with accounting and financial management systems
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities
• High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Ability to travel internationally as needed (10% estimated)
• Proven ability to present to the board of directors and C-suite

Preferred Requirements:

• MBA or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration preferred
• Experience collaborating with international teams
• CPA- Highly Preferred

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the company's financial strategy in alignment with business goals
• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on financial planning and growth initiatives
• Lead long-term financial planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis
• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
• Maintain compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and internal company policies
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and overall financial performance
• Deliver financial statements, dashboards, and performance reports with strategic recommendations
• Lead the annual budgeting process and track performance against targets
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and financial governance practices
• Oversee internal and external audits and manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 2–3 direct reports
• Drive continuous improvement across financial systems, processes, and workflows
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, HR, and other departments to support business initiatives
• Collaborate with international stakeholders as needed