Director of Finance

Director of FinanceBroomfield, Colorado, United StatesKatalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You'll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it's harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.Katalyst is seeking a highly capable, hands-on Director of Finance to own the company's full finance operating rhythm across monthly close, budgeting and forecasting, cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting, internal controls, and strategic finance support.This leader will be expected to operate as both a player and a builder: personally driving core accounting and finance processes in the near term while designing the systems, controls, and team structure needed to scale the business over time. The Director of Finance will serve as a key thought partner to leadership team, ensuring the company has accurate financials, strong operating discipline, and forward-looking financial visibility.This role is especially well suited for a finance leader who thrives in early-stage environments, can move fluidly between detail and strategy, and is excited to build a finance function that will support the company through its next phase of growth.This role will report to the VP of Operations and work closely with department leaders across the company.Build and lead the finance functionEstablish the foundation of the finance organizationDesign and implement scalable finance processes, controls, policies, and reporting cadencesBuild the finance roadmap, including team design, systems architecture, and outsourcing strategy where appropriateHire, develop, and lead future finance team members across accounting, FP&A, and AP/AR as the company growsEstablish clear ownership, documentation, and standard operating procedures across all core finance activitiesOwn the monthly, quarterly, and annual finance operating cadenceLead the monthly close process, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, prepaids, revenue recognition considerations, and financial statement preparationEnsure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reportingMaintain budget-to-actual reporting and variance analysis across departmentsSupport quarterly reforecasts and annual planning processesPrepare management reporting packages and support board-level reportingTranslate financial results into actionable insights, risks, and recommendationsLead accounting operations and controllership activitiesOwn day-to-day accounting operations in a hands-on manner until team scale supports greater delegationOversee and improve accounts payable, procurement controls, accounts receivable, invoicing, and collectionsMaintain balance sheet integrity through timely reconciliationsEnsure disciplined expense classification, cutoff, and period-end accrualsDevelop and maintain internal controls appropriate for a scaling venture-backed businessPrepare the company for increasing audit, diligence, tax, and investor reportingDrive budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financeDevelop monthly cash flow forecasts, including a rolling detailed cash forecast and long-term runway modelPartner with the leadership team on hiring plans, expense decisions, and resource allocationSupport pricing, vendor, customer, and investment decisions with financial analysis and scenario modelingSupport fundraising readiness by ensuring the company's financial story, metrics, and supporting schedules are credible and consistentCash management and working capital ownershipMonitor daily and weekly cash position and ensure strong visibility into liquidityManage payment timing, collections, and cash conversion discipline to preserve runwayBuild and maintain clear reporting on burn rate, runway, and key cash driversIdentify risks and opportunities related to working capital, customer receivables, vendor obligations, and large spend commitmentsSystems, controls, and GAAP readinessLead the migration from the company's current accounting environment to a GAAP-compliant accounting system and finance infrastructure capable of supporting scale, investor expectations, and future audit requirementsAssess and improve the current accounting systems, close processes, chart of accounts, and reporting architectureImplement systems and workflows that improve data integrity, auditability, and reporting efficiencyEstablish accounting policies and procedures aligned with U.S. GAAP and the needs of a venture-backed businessCompliance and government contracting supportPartner with internal and external stakeholders to support tax, compliance, and regulatory requirementsHelp ensure finance processes and records are maintained in a manner consistent with applicable government contracting expectations, including familiarity with DCAA/DCMA-related accounting environments, cost structures, and documentation disciplinesWhat We're Looking ForYou're a hands-on builder with strong judgment for balancing accuracy and efficiencyYou have meticulous attention to detail and enjoy producing financial and cost data that stands up to scrutinyYou like owning the numbers end-to-end and understand how they impact programs, contracts, and business decisionsYou enjoy digging into cost structures and variances and turning them into clear, useful insights for leadership and program teamsYou're comfortable working in ambiguity and building frameworks, systems, and processes as the organization grows and maturesYou enjoy working closely with engineering, operations, and program teams and helping finance enable executionYour Ideal BackgroundRequiredBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field8+ years of experience across accounting, controllership, or a related finance rolePrior experience in public accounting at a major firmStrong foundation in accounting, financial reporting, close processes, reconciliations, and internal controlsExperience owning or materially contributing to budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and executive reportingDemonstrated ability to operate in a highly hands-on role with limited infrastructure and build processes from scratchExperience implementing, upgrading, or migrating accounting systems and improving finance toolingStrong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and the practical application of GAAP in a scaling company environmentExcellent modeling, analytical, and communication skillsAbility to synthesize detailed financial information into clear business recommendationsPreferredCPA preferredPrior experience in aerospace, defense, or another regulated hardware manufacturing industryExperience preparing a company for audit, due diligence, or institutional investor reportingExperience working in venture-funded companies, ideally in early-stage or high-growth environmentsExperience building and managing small, high-performing finance teamsFamiliarity with DCAA/DCMA accounting practices, government contract cost structures, documentation expectations, and compliance-oriented financial processesProficiency in ExcelAdditional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $170,000 - $220,000 annually.Base salary is just one part