Senior Director of Finance

SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Finance is the senior financial leader responsible for the financial strategy, operational finance leadership, and fiscal integrity of the Karman’s Defense business. This role oversees the site Controller and Finance Team, ensuring accurate financial reporting, sound internal controls, and alignment with corporate objectives. This includes serving as a key business partner to site leadership, driving financial performance and supporting strategic decision-making. The Senior Director of Finance reports to the VP/GM of Defense.

ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility.  Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the company's goals.
• Advise management team on financial planning, risk, and investment strategies.
• Drive long-term business and financial planning.

Financial Management

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Oversee cash flow, working capital, and treasury management.

Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all statutory regulations, accounting standards, and tax obligations.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Liaise with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies.

Finance Operations & Team Oversight

• Supervise and mentor finance department staff, promoting professional development.
• Implement financial controls and processes to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
• Oversee financial systems and implement improvements as needed.

Stakeholder Communication

• Present financial results and forecasts to the board and investors.
• Support fundraising activities and investor relations as required.
• Collaborate with department heads to support financial decision-making.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (MBA or Master's preferred)
• CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional designation strongly preferred
• 8–12+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Experience with FAR/DFARS & DoD Contracting
• Experience with SOX compliance
• Experience managing Controllers or finance departments in a complex business environment
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Ability to manage competing priorities and drive results in a dynamic environment
• Advanced Microsoft Office, Excel & Financial Data Visualization Software (i.e. PowerBI or equivalent)
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, EPICOR, NetSuite)
• Involvement in capital investment, operational improvement, or cost-reduction initiatives
• Must be a U.S. citizen, ability to obtain SECRET Clearance

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.