Head of Finance & Accounting - Americas

Advanced Navigation is the world's most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics.

Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk

We are rapidly expanding and are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Head of Finance to join our dynamic team, report directly to the President of Advanced Navigation America and provide strategic financial leadership during this exciting growth phase.

The Head of Finance will be a pivotal and strategic member of the finance team, responsible for overseeing all US financial operations, leading the general ledger function, ensuring accurate and timely statutory financial reporting, and maintaining robust internal controls. This role requires a highly experienced, hands-on accountant with proven leadership capabilities and a strategic mindset to drive continuous operational efficiency, scalability, and support global expansion.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Lead all aspects of the general ledger, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare, analyse, and present timely and accurate consolidated financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) in accordance with relevant accounting standards.
• Coordinate and manage the end-to-end external audit process, acting as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee and optimize the management of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed asset functions.
• Manage banking relationships, coordination with Advanced Navigation Australia CFO, and ensure effective cash flow management.

Compliance & Control

• Ensure comprehensive compliance with DCAA regulations and requirements for certification, in addition to local, state, and federal tax filing requirements and regulatory reporting across all relevant US jurisdictions as well as tariff, export costs etc when applicable (e.g., BAS, GST/VAT, R&D tax incentives, US Federal, State and international tax requirements).
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine effective internal financial controls, accounting policies, and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity in a scaling environment.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to global and US company policies and procedures as allowed by the US Government approved Special Security Agreement (SSA).

Strategic Planning & Analysis

• Lead the development and management of annual budgets and periodic forecasts in collaboration with department heads.
• Provide high-level financial analysis, reporting, and strategic insights to support executive decision-making, including margin analysis, cost control, and profitability trends.
• Monitor actual performance against budget/forecast, investigating significant variances, and proactively recommending corrective financial actions.
• Report weekly on all cost analysis, revenue and other financial items and issues weekly to the President of Advanced Navigation America.
• Work closely with the President of Advanced Navigation America on strategic initiatives, potential M&A due diligence, and long-term financial planning.
• Manage any and all external financial support organizations.

Team Leadership & Development

• As the US operations grow, build, lead, manage, and mentor the finance team, while fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous process improvement.
• Drive the streamlining and automation of finance processes using technology and best practices to increase efficiency and support global scalability.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Qualifications:

• CPA, CA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification
• Must be a US citizen currently holding a Secret or higher security clearance or with the ability to secure such clearance as required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in operations financial support for US Government and US Department of War requirements and compliance accounting and finance
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex global financial close processes and preparing statutory and consolidated financial reports.
• Expert-level knowledge of accounting principles (IFRS/AASB preferred) and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth technology or complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency with modern ERP systems and advanced financial modelling skills in Excel.
• Extensive experience managing international financial operations, transfer pricing, and multi-currency transactions.
• Familiarity with US Government and Department of War R&D tax incentive claims and grant funding reporting.
• Experience with the implementation or major optimization of accounting software/ERP systems.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership and team development capabilities.
• Superior analytical, strategic problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex financial information to the Executive team and external stakeholders.
• A proactive, strategic, and results-oriented approach, with a proven ability to manage multiple complex deadlines effectively.
• A high degree of integrity and ethical conduct.