Liquid Instruments: Director of Finance

Director of Finance

San Diego, CA

Liquid Instruments builds next-generation test and measurement technology for engineers and scientists pushing the boundaries of discovery.

Founded by scientists from the Australian National University, with research roots connected to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Liquid Instruments grew out of advanced physics and instrumentation research. Today, the company applies deep expertise in high-speed digital signal processing to deliver software-defined test and measurement platforms that replace racks of traditional lab equipment with a single, reconfigurable device—combining flexibility, performance, and cost efficiency through FPGA-based hardware and intuitive software.

Liquid Instruments operates globally, with teams in San Diego, California and Canberra, Australia. We are a growing, venture-backed company with a collaborative, technically curious culture that values ownership, clarity, and impact across time zones.

The Role

The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing the organization's financial operations, strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance. This role provides financial leadership, supports executive decision-making, and ensures the organization's financial health and sustainability.

This role reports to the CFO.

What You’ll Do

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support long-term business planning and growth initiatives.
• Evaluate financial risks and opportunities.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Manage US budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling processes.
• Monitor financial performance against plans and recommend corrective actions.
• Deliver insights and analytics to support business decisions.
• Manage key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial dashboards.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (GAAP).
• Coordinate external audits and regulatory filings.
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial governance.

Cash Management

• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital.
• Manage banking relationships and financing arrangements.
• Develop strategies to optimize cash management.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax requirements, and corporate policies.
• Lead risk management initiatives.
• Maintain effective internal control frameworks.

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing finance team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support talent development and succession planning.

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive finance or accounting leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.
• Proven track record supporting growth, scaling operations, and strategic planning.
• Experience collaborating with Sales and Marketing leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field.
• CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

Nice to Have

• Experience working across global teams and time zones
• Experience with managing implementation of financial management systems

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary
• Equity participation in a venture-backed company
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance (100% employee premiums covered)
• 401(k) with company match
• Four weeks paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• A collaborative, global team environment with significant room for growth

Salary

• $150,000 to $180,000 annually