Katalyst Description:
We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture:
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.
Overview
Katalyst is seeking a highly capable, hands-on Director of Finance own the company’s full finance operating rhythm across monthly close, budgeting and forecasting, cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting, internal controls, and strategic finance support.
This leader will be expected to operate as both a player and a builder: personally driving core accounting and finance processes in the near term while designing the systems, controls, and team structure needed to scale the business over time. The Director of Finance will serve as a key thought partner to leadership team, ensuring the company has accurate financials, strong operating discipline, and forward-looking financial visibility.
This role is especially well suited for a finance leader who thrives in early-stage environments, can move fluidly between detail and strategy, and is excited to build a finance function that will support the company through its next phase of growth.
Reporting Structure
This role will report to the VP of Operations and work closely with department leaders across the company.
What You’ll Do
Build and lead the finance function
Establish the foundation of the finance organization
Design and implement scalable finance processes, controls, policies, and reporting cadences
Build the finance roadmap, including team design, systems architecture, and outsourcing strategy where appropriate
Hire, develop, and lead future finance team members across accounting, FP&A, and AP/AR as the company grows
Establish clear ownership, documentation, and standard operating procedures across all core finance activities
Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual finance operating cadence
Lead the monthly close process, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, prepaids, revenue recognition considerations, and financial statement preparation
Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
Maintain budget-to-actual reporting and variance analysis across departments
Support quarterly reforecasts and annual planning processes
Prepare management reporting packages and support board-level reporting
Translate financial results into actionable insights, risks, and recommendations
Lead accounting operations and controllership activities
Own day-to-day accounting operations in a hands-on manner until team scale supports greater delegation
Oversee and improve accounts payable, procurement controls, accounts receivable, invoicing, and collections
Maintain balance sheet integrity through timely reconciliations
Ensure disciplined expense classification, cutoff, and period-end accruals
Develop and maintain internal controls appropriate for a scaling venture-backed business
Prepare the company for increasing audit, diligence, tax, and investor reporting
Drive budgeting, forecasting, and strategic finance
Develop monthly cash flow forecasts, including a rolling detailed cash forecast and long-term runway model
Partner with the leadership team on hiring plans, expense decisions, and resource allocation
Support pricing, vendor, customer, and investment decisions with financial analysis and scenario modeling
Support fundraising readiness by ensuring the company’s financial story, metrics, and supporting schedules are credible and consistent
Cash management and working capital ownership
Monitor daily and weekly cash position and ensure strong visibility into liquidity
Manage payment timing, collections, and cash conversion discipline to preserve runway
Build and maintain clear reporting on burn rate, runway, and key cash drivers
Identify risks and opportunities related to working capital, customer receivables, vendor obligations, and large spend commitments
Systems, controls, and GAAP readiness
Lead the migration from the company’s current accounting environment to a GAAP-compliant accounting system and finance infrastructure capable of supporting scale, investor expectations, and future audit requirements
Assess and improve the current accounting systems, close processes, chart of accounts, and reporting architecture
Implement systems and workflows that improve data integrity, auditability, and reporting efficiency
Establish accounting policies and procedures aligned with U.S. GAAP and the needs of a venture-backed business
Compliance and government contracting support
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to support tax, compliance, and regulatory requirements
Help ensure finance processes and records are maintained in a manner consistent with applicable government contracting expectations, including familiarity with DCAA/DCMA-related accounting environments, cost structures, and documentation disciplines
What We're Looking For
You’re a hands-on builder with strong judgment for balancing accuracy and efficiency
You have meticulous attention to detail and enjoy producing financial and cost data that stands up to scrutiny
You like owning the numbers end-to-end and understand how they impact programs, contracts, and business decisions
You enjoy digging into cost structures and variances and turning them into clear, useful insights for leadership and program teams
You’re comfortable working in ambiguity and building frameworks, systems, and processes as the organization grows and matures
You enjoy working closely with engineering, operations, and program teams and helping finance enable execution
Your Ideal Background
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
8+ years of experience across accounting, controllership, or a related finance role
Prior experience in public accounting at a major firm
Strong foundation in accounting, financial reporting, close processes, reconciliations, and internal controls
Experience owning or materially contributing to budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and executive reporting
Demonstrated ability to operate in a highly hands-on role with limited infrastructure and build processes from scratch
Experience implementing, upgrading, or migrating accounting systems and improving finance tooling
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and the practical application of GAAP in a scaling company environment
Excellent modeling, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to synthesize detailed financial information into clear business recommendations
Preferred
CPA preferred
Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or another regulated hardware manufacturing industry
Experience preparing a company for audit, due diligence, or institutional investor reporting
Experience working in venture-funded companies, ideally in early-stage or high-growth environments
Experience building and managing small, high-performing finance teams
Familiarity with DCAA/DCMA accounting practices, government contract cost structures, documentation expectations, and compliance-oriented financial processes
Proficiency in Excel
Additional Requirements : Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $170,000 - $220,000 annually.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.