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Karman Space & Defense
Senior Director of Finance
Career Insights for Vice President / Director of Finance
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What they do
A Vice President or Director of Finance manages the daily financial activities of a company or organization. Oversees accounting, bookkeeping, accounts receivables and payables, and financial administration.
$211,421 / year median in California
+2% projected growth
Job Description
Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.
In this role, you will serve as the senior financial leader for Karmans Defense business, guiding financial strategy, ensuring fiscal integrity, and driving operational and strategic decisionmaking. You will partner closely with site leadership to deliver accurate reporting, strengthen internal controls, and enable strong financial performance across a dynamic, highgrowth environment.
ResponsibilitiesDevelops and executes financial strategies that support business objectives and longterm planning.
Advises leadership on financial planning, risk management, and investment strategies.
Leads budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes with timely and accurate reporting.
Manages cash flow, working capital, and treasury functions to support operational needs.
Ensures compliance with accounting standards, statutory regulations, and tax requirements.
Identifies financial risks and implements mitigation strategies.
Coordinates activities with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies.
Oversees finance operations, mentors staff, and advances professional development within the team.
Implements and enhances financial controls, systems, and processes to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
Presents financial results and forecasts to senior leadership and supports investorrelated activities.
Partners with department leads to enable informed financial decisionmaking and operational improvements.
Required QualificationsBachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or similar designation.812 or more years of progressive finance experience, including 35 years in a leadership role.
Understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contracting.
Experience supporting SarbanesOxley Act (SOX) compliance.
Experience managing Controllers or finance departments in complex business environments.
Strong analytical, problemsolving, and strategicthinking capabilities.
Proven leadership and peoplemanagement skills.
Strong communication and presentation abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fastpaced environment.
Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Excel, and datavisualization tools such as Power BI.Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or NetSuite.
Experience supporting capital investment, operational improvement, or costreduction initiatives.
Preferred QualificationsMaster of Business Administration (MBA) or masters degree.
This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.
BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time offHealth Savings Account (HSA) with company contributionFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Companypaid life and AD\&D insuranceShort and longterm disability coverageTuition reimbursementKarman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
In this role, you will serve as the senior financial leader for Karmans Defense business, guiding financial strategy, ensuring fiscal integrity, and driving operational and strategic decisionmaking. You will partner closely with site leadership to deliver accurate reporting, strengthen internal controls, and enable strong financial performance across a dynamic, highgrowth environment.
ResponsibilitiesDevelops and executes financial strategies that support business objectives and longterm planning.
Advises leadership on financial planning, risk management, and investment strategies.
Leads budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes with timely and accurate reporting.
Manages cash flow, working capital, and treasury functions to support operational needs.
Ensures compliance with accounting standards, statutory regulations, and tax requirements.
Identifies financial risks and implements mitigation strategies.
Coordinates activities with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies.
Oversees finance operations, mentors staff, and advances professional development within the team.
Implements and enhances financial controls, systems, and processes to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
Presents financial results and forecasts to senior leadership and supports investorrelated activities.
Partners with department leads to enable informed financial decisionmaking and operational improvements.
Required QualificationsBachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or similar designation.812 or more years of progressive finance experience, including 35 years in a leadership role.
Understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contracting.
Experience supporting SarbanesOxley Act (SOX) compliance.
Experience managing Controllers or finance departments in complex business environments.
Strong analytical, problemsolving, and strategicthinking capabilities.
Proven leadership and peoplemanagement skills.
Strong communication and presentation abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fastpaced environment.
Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Excel, and datavisualization tools such as Power BI.Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or NetSuite.
Experience supporting capital investment, operational improvement, or costreduction initiatives.
Preferred QualificationsMaster of Business Administration (MBA) or masters degree.
This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.
BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time offHealth Savings Account (HSA) with company contributionFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Companypaid life and AD\&D insuranceShort and longterm disability coverageTuition reimbursementKarman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.