ABOUT US
Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.
Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Harmattan AI is establishing a new entity in MEA, and as Finance Manager you will build its accounting and financial reporting foundations from the ground up while staying aligned with Group standards. You will be the first and only person dedicated to operating with autonomy across accounting and financial controls.
This is a hands-on build role, distinct from a steady-state finance function: you create processes rather than simply follow them. A typical day moves between day-to-day operations — cash monitoring, expense processing — and deeper project work such as monthly close preparation, account reconciliations, and coordination with the local accountant and public administrations. You will work closely with the Head of Finance and HQ to keep reporting and Group-wide processes aligned. Initially a team of one, the role is expected to grow into a small local Finance team as the entity scales.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Entity Setup: Stand up the administrative and accounting structure of the new entity — bank account opening, relationships with the local accountant/fiduciary, and ERP configuration.
- Financial Reporting: Establish monthly financial reporting from the entity to Group level, covering cash burn, P&L, and balance sheet.
- Group Alignment: Coordinate with the Head of Finance to align accounting standards and tools, and integrate the entity into Group consolidated reporting.
- Provider Management: Manage relationships with local accountants, lawyers, insurers, and tax/social security administrations.
- Audit & Scale: Prepare the annual audit, coordinate with the local accountant, and document scalable processes that support team growth.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- Senior finance professional with proven experience managing an entity's full finance scope autonomously.
- Autonomous management of accounting and monthly close for an entity (SME or subsidiary), including bank reconciliations and P&L / cash flow reporting.
- Production of financial reports (P&L, cash flow, cash burn) for senior management or a Group.
- Higher education in finance or accounting at Master's level or equivalent (business school, CCA, DSCG, or equivalent).
- Fluent French and professional English; a strong communicator in an international environment.
- Autonomous, proactive, rigorous, and pragmatic — able to build and execute at the same time, and comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities in an early-stage entity.
NICE TO HAVE
- Experience in an international or multi-entity context.
- Experience in a startup or scale-up environment.
- Background in the subsidiary of an international group (Finance Manager, CFO Deputy) or a tech startup/scale-up with a finance scope.
- Accounting-firm experience with client-side exposure.
WHY THIS ROLE
This is a rare opportunity to be the founding Finance Manager of a new entity within a fast-growing deep tech company. You will have direct visibility with leadership and ownership to build the financial infrastructure of the entity — a highly formative, high-impact experience.
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.