Description
We are partnering with a high-growth, venture-backed technology company operating at the intersection of defense, AI, and advanced systems. The organization supports critical U.S. government and defense initiatives, with strong traction across federal agencies and increasing demand for its solutions.
The company is entering a pivotal growth phase, with expanding government contracts, increasing complexity, and a need for sophisticated financial leadership to scale operations, support strategic capital initiatives, and prepare for a potential future liquidity event).
Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for building and leading the financial strategy and infrastructure of a rapidly scaling government contracting and technology organization.
This leader will bring deep expertise in government contracting (GovCon), including compliance, cost accounting, and program financial management, while also operating as a strategic partner to the CEO on capital strategy, growth initiatives, and long-term value creation.
This is a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves CFO role suited for a leader who thrives in entrepreneurial environments and is equally comfortable operating strategically and executing tactically.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team on financial strategy, growth planning, and enterprise value creation
- Lead financial planning tied to government contract growth, product expansion, and market positioning
- Support strategic decision-making across pricing, contract structuring, and investment prioritization
- Oversee all financial operations related to government contracts, including:
- FAR, CAS, and DCAA compliance
- Cost accounting standards and indirect rate structures
- Contract pricing, audits, and reporting
- Partner closely with Program Management and Contract Management teams to ensure financial discipline and execution
- Lead capital strategy, including:
- Debt and equity financing
- Relationships with banks, venture capital, and private equity firms
- Drive and support future liquidity events (IPO or acquisition)
- Build financial models and narratives for investors and board stakeholders
- Build and scale financial infrastructure, systems, and processes
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cash management
- Establish KPIs and dashboards to drive performance and accountability
- Ensure strong internal controls and audit readiness
- Initially operate as a hands-on leader (player/coach), with the ability to build and scale a finance organization over time
- Foster a collaborative, low-ego, high-accountability culture
- Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and program leadership
Required Experience
- Prior experience as a CFO or senior finance executive within a government contracting organization
- Deep expertise in GovCon financial management, including DCAA compliance, cost accounting, and contract structures
- Demonstrated success supporting or leading a growth-stage company through a liquidity event (IPO, acquisition, or similar)
- Experience working directly with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), ideally including Pentagon and/or U.S. Army programs
- Proven ability to lead capital raises and investor engagement
Preferred Experience
- Background in defense technology, aerospace, AI, robotics, or advanced systems
- Experience scaling a company from early-stage through rapid growth
- Familiarity with hybrid business models (product + government services/contracts)
Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA and/or CPA preferred)
- Eligible for U.S. security clearance (Secret required; TS/SCI strongly preferred)
Leadership & Cultural Attributes
- Low ego, high ownership mindset — willing to “do the work” at all levels
- Highly collaborative and team-oriented
- Energetic, solutions-focused, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building from the ground up
- Strong communicator with executive presence and credibility