Liquid Instruments - Senior Director of Finance and Accounting

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 Senior Director of Finance and Accounting is a senior, hands-on finance leader who owns and supports both the accounting and finance functions, including US accounting operations, financial reporting, financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. This role partners directly with the CFO and CEO on capital strategy, board and investor reporting, and financial decision-making, while staying closely involved in the day-to-day work of the team.

This role reports to the CFO.

What You’ll Do

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Own the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP; support evaluation of and potential transition to IFRS as the company scales globally.
• Oversee revenue recognition policies and cost accounting practices, including for manufacturing and software/subscription revenue streams.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and financial governance.

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.

Capital Strategy & Investor Relations

• Partner with the CFO and CEO on capital strategy, including fundraising processes, debt and equity financing, and investor relations.
• Support board reporting and serve as a credible, senior finance voice in board and investor conversations.
• Support M&A evaluation and due diligence as strategic opportunities arise.
• Provide steady financial leadership during periods of significant change, including funding events, M&A, or operational transformation.

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.

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 a high-performing accounting and 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 accounting and finance leadership experience, with direct exposure to capital strategy.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment and/or with software or subscription-based business models.
• Demonstrated experience partnering directly with a CEO and/or Board of Directors, including fundraising, investor relations, or capital strategy.
• Hands-on experience leading full end-to-end ERP implementations (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).
• 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.
• 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
• Experience navigating periods of significant financial complexity, such as capital raises, restructuring, or rapid scaling

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

• $200,000 - $225,000 annually