About the RoleWe 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 ROLEKey ResponsibilitiesStrategic Finance & Venture Capital Support- 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.
Government Contracting & DCAA Compliance- 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.
Full-Scope Accounting & Operations- 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).
Required Qualifications- 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.
Additional Qualifications- 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).
