Director of Finance

Katalyst Description: Katalyst is an American technology company  focused on d ynamic space operations .   We are building a fleet of  dual-use multipurpose  robotic space vehicles  to  creat e the  future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling,  resupply  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  exploration  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 en