Finance Manager

Katalyst Description:

At Katalyst, we see human expansion into space not as a distant future, but as a present reality. As this growth accelerates, the need for advanced, reliable spacecraft has never been more critical.  We are standing at this forefront specializing in rendezvous and proximity operations creating spacecraft that can reconfigure, refuel, inspect and protect satellites on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. In order to accomplish our mission, we also process data from a network of space-based sensors, both existing and deployable upgrades, using state of the art machine learning and advanced orbital dynamic filtering algorithms to increase space domain awareness, becoming the eyes and ears on orbit.

You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:

• Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
• Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
• Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.

Role Description:

We’re looking for a Finance Manager to lead and scale our cost accounting practices as we design and build the next generation of robotic spacecraft. In this role, you’ll guide cost structures across the organization, integrating financial strategy with operational execution. You’ll work closely with our operations and engineering teams to help keep our cost records accurate and stay compliant with accounting standards and government regulations.

The ideal candidate has experience with cost accounting in a complex manufacturing setting, preferably in aerospace or defense. They should be familiar with GAAP, government contracts, and DCAA compliance, with a strong background in cost accounting and analysis. This role will be a key player in helping us manage costs, optimize manufacturing spend, and support data-driven financial decisions as we shape the next generation of spacecraft.

Key Responsibilities:

General Accounting and Controllership

• Ownership of general ledger, chart of accounts, and monthly close
• Oversight of AP/AR, cash management, and reconciliations (may include working with third party book keepers)
• Ensure financial statements are GAAP compliant and audit-ready

Cost Accounting & Compliance

• Support the development of scalable, compliant systems and processes aligned with GAAP, aerospace cost accounting standards, contract cost principles, and DoD / FAA compliance requirements
• Conduct monthly program variance analysis (material, labor, overhead) and work with program team on corrective actions
• Prepare for audits (DCAA, financial, ISO/AS9100 alignment)
• Support indirect rate development and government cost reporting

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, program, and engineering teams in implementation of scalable procurement and financial systems
• Provide training and mentorship on cost accounting best practices across internal stakeholders
• Support fundraising and investor reporting

Qualifications:

Essential:

• CPA or CMA certification
• 5-7 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment (aerospace preferred)
• Familiarity with government contract accounting, GAAP, DCAA, and DoD/FAA compliance
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency with financial systems

Desired:

• Experience with complex, multi-part manufacturing (e.g., high-mix/low-volume aerospace systems)
• Familiarity with earned cost/schedule integration
• Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) experience in a scaling organization

Additional Requirements:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. Up to 10% of travel.

Compensation and Benefits:   Anticipated salary range for this role is $125,000 - $160,000.

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.