Head of Finance

Job Description

Job Description

About Orion Edge

We are an agile, early-stage startup in a rapid growth phase, developing next-generation electronic warfare (EW) and digital disruption equipment. Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge capabilities to the modern warfighter at speed. Orion Edge is currently delivering systems to the US Army and USSOCOM, and we are scaling quickly to support the broader Department of Defense (DoD). If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your work directly impacts national security and you have the opportunity to scale your career with a growing company, you belong here.

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on Head of Finance to architect and manage our entire financial ecosystem. As an early-stage, high-growth defense tech startup, Orion Edge is involved with both venture-backed scaling and rigorous federal compliance.

In this leadership role, you will build sophisticated pro forma models for venture capital raises and ensure our accounting system is strictly DCAA-compliant for government contracting. You will oversee full-scope accounting, budget forecasting, and cash runway management while acting as a strategic partner to the executive team during fundraising rounds.

This is a full-time, salaried position that includes a competitive base compensation package and meaningful equity ownership , allowing you to directly share in the long-term success of the company.

U.S. CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE

• Fundraising & Modeling: Build, maintain, and stress-test comprehensive financial pro forma models, scenario analyses, and cap table projections to support institutional Venture Capital (VC) fundraising rounds.

• Budgeting & Forecasting: Own the corporate financial planning and analysis (FP&A) function, establishing rolling budget forecasts, team spend targets, and cash runway optimizations.

• Executive Advisory: Partner with the CEO and founders to translate operational milestones into financial strategies, presenting metrics to the Board of Directors and current/prospective investors.

• Compliance Oversight: Architect, implement, and maintain accounting policies and systems that conform to Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and CAS.

• Rate Structuring: Develop, monitor, and manage indirect rate structures (Fringe, Overhead, G&A) to optimize profitability and cost recovery on government contracts (SBIRs, OTAs, IDIQ).

• Audit Readiness: Serve as the primary point of contact for DCAA audits, government contracting officers, and external CPA reviews.

• Day-to-Day Accounting: Oversee all core accounting functions including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, monthly close processes, and financial statement preparation (GAAP).

• Revenue Recognition: Manage proper revenue recognition for multi-year, complex defense hardware and software delivery milestones.

• Tool & ERP Management: Evaluate, implement, or optimize accounting software and timekeeping systems tailored for government contracting (Quickbooks and eFAACT experience preferred).

• US Citizenship

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with at least 2–3 years in a financial leadership role within a high-growth startup environment.

• Dual Domain Expertise: Direct, demonstrable experience navigating both institutional Venture Capital equity financing cycles and DCAA-compliant government contracting frameworks.

• Financial Modeling Mastery: Advanced proficiency in financial engineering, corporate pro forma modeling, and tracking Hardware startup KPIs.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related business field.

• Regulatory Fluency: Deep understanding of US GAAP, FAR, and DCAA compliance requirements.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

• Experience implementing a DCAA-approved ERP or accounting system from scratch.

• Prior experience in the aerospace, defense, or deep-tech sectors.

• Active security clearance (or eligibility to obtain one).