VP of Finance

The Company:

We are an aerospace R&D company building experimental and certified airships. We are developing and manufacturing advanced technologies to dramatically increase the capabilities and lower the cost of 21st-century airships. LTA’s airships will have the ability to complement and even accelerate humanitarian disaster response and relief efforts, especially in remote areas that cannot be easily accessed by plane and boat due to limited or destroyed infrastructure. We ultimately aim to create a family of aircraft with zero emissions that would substantially reduce the global carbon footprint of aviation when used for shipping goods and moving people.

Position:

The successful candidate will be a strong leader with a proven track record of building a scalable company infrastructure across finance, HR, legal, and other administrative organizations in a fast-growth environment. 

The individual should be both motivated by and capable of guiding the Company through its next phase of growth and development. 

This role will demand vision as well as a very hands-on approach. 

The candidate will partner closely with the CEO and other executive team members to help set and lead the Company on a clear path of continued and structured growth, all while developing key relationships, driving measurable value and establishing core financial planning, processes, reporting, and other administrative functions.

Responsibilities:

- Design and collaboratively conduct the business planning, forecasting, and analysis process with team leaders and provide continual improvements to current methods; foster a culture that focuses on collaboration

- Advise and act as a strategic partner and active participant in shaping the strategy of the Company; build a strong relationship with the board and other external stakeholders

- Set comprehensive goals for performance and structured growth; responsible for performance measurement and analysis including interpreting data and metrics

- Build, manage and motivate a dedicated team of finance, HR, legal, and administrative professionals; provide mentorship, guidance, and career development to direct reports

- Build the Company’s financial and operational infrastructure to support scaling; provide strong oversight of financial controls, measurements, and systems; monitor that the Company is compliant with GAAP, statutory accounting, and other relevant authorities

- Ensure compliance with all applicable accounting standards, as well as compliance with other employment, tax, and legal regulations

- Management of banking, audit, employment, and legal relationships; drive and support fundraising activities, as needed

- Oversee business contracts, insurance plans, risk management initiatives, 401k plans, payroll, and other administrative areas as needed

- Foster sustainable relationships with technical and external stakeholders, customers,  and partners to  identify industry trends, requirements, and areas of improvement

- Experience as a VP of Finance at a high-growth company, known for its consistent track record of delivering growth and financial performance

Qualifications:

- Leadership skills, with steadfast resolve and personal integrity; ability to naturally influence operating executives and to function as a true partner; proven success with team development, coaching, and providing real-time feedback

- A “business-minded” finance executive who has the capability to go beyond the numbers in dissecting/analyzing business matters; the ability to advise the CEO and executive team to ensure sound strategic financial decision-making, accounting and financial management procedures, financial controls, and compliance

- A demonstrated track record of building outstanding finance, HR, legal, and other administrative teams; recognized for driving continuous improvement and operational excellence

- Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills as well as high EQFull command of GAAP accounting, financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls; understanding of advanced accounting, regulatory issues, corporate controls, audit readiness, and tax planning; experience implementing ERP/MRP systems

- An advanced degree in finance or accounting is required, a CPA and/or MBA is a plusExperience in a manufacturing environment, as well as aviation, aerospace, or defense industry is ideal

- The ability to travel to various sites - this is an on-site position in our Sunnyvale, California location.

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Mental health benefit
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable

The base salary range for this role is $250,000 - 300,000, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.

Salary : $250,000 - $0