Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Santa Barbara, California

$165,000 - $190,000

The final compensation offered will be based on relevant experience, education, qualifications, financial leadership background, and overall alignment with the role.

STAX is helping transform the maritime industry through innovative emissions capture technology that improves air quality and reduces environmental impact at ports throughout California.

We are seeking a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to serve as a senior financial leader supporting STAX's continued growth and expansion. This role is ideal for an experienced finance professional who combines strong financial planning and analytical expertise with the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable business insight.

The Head of FP&A will lead financial planning, forecasting, performance analysis, KPI reporting, financial modeling, and strategic decision support across the organization. This position will work closely with the CFO, Controller, executive leadership, and operational teams to evaluate financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and help guide decisions related to growth, capital allocation, operational efficiency, and long‑term business planning.

This role is highly forward-looking and strategic. It is designed for a finance leader who can independently evaluate financial results, challenge assumptions, interpret business performance, and provide leadership with a clear financial perspective on decisions that materially impact the organization.

• Lead company-wide budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and performance management processes.
• Develop and maintain financial models that support strategic planning, operational decisions, growth initiatives, and capital allocation.
• Analyze financial performance and provide meaningful variance analysis against budgets, forecasts, and business expectations.
• Determine the significance of financial variances, identify potential risks or performance concerns, and recommend appropriate corrective strategies.
• Exercise independent judgment when interpreting financial data and recommending actions related to profitability, cost control, financial performance, and business strategy.
• Lead high-level review of financial information to assess data integrity, materiality, risk exposure, and areas requiring corrective action.
• Review and challenge financial results to ensure they accurately reflect business performance and economic reality.
• Evaluate accounting treatment and financial outputs for consistency with financial and economic objectives.
• Own and continuously improve the company’s KPI reporting framework and measurement methodologies in partnership with leadership.
• Design and implement financial and operational reporting systems that provide leadership with timely and actionable information.
• Partner with department leaders to evaluate the financial impact of operational performance, initiatives, and business decisions.
• Provide financial insight and analytical support during monthly, quarterly, and annual close cycles.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of financial controls from both a financial and operational perspective.
• Prepare board‑level financial presentations, performance narratives, reporting packages, and executive‑level financial analysis.
• Review and interpret financial outputs to support executive and board‑level decision‑making.
• Provide financial analysis and business insight in support of audit processes while partnering with the Controller, auditors, and other finance leaders.
• Support long‑term financial planning and help leadership evaluate risks, opportunities, and financial implications associated with STAX’s continued growth.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in financial planning and analysis, business finance, or financial leadership.
• At least 4 years of experience serving in an FP&A or Controller role with responsibility for financial systems, controls, reporting structures, and performance analysis.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and variance analysis…