Head of Finance

About Northwood

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you like building quickly and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood.

The level of this position will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. We are open to considering candidates of varying experience levels, from early-career to experienced.

As the first dedicated finance hire at Northwood, you will establish and lead our finance function, playing a pivotal role in shaping our financial strategy, operations, and decision-making processes as we grow in the satellite communications industry. This is a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company’s growth while building a best-in-class finance function. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Finance will act as a trusted advisor to the leadership team, providing critical financial insights, ensuring regulatory compliance, and strengthening our financial foundation to support long-term success.

• Financial Strategy & Leadership: Develop and implement the financial strategy to support the company’s growth objectives, encompassing fundraising, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning. Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, providing insights to drive financial decisions.
• Accounting & Compliance: Establish and manage day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and month-end close, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. Oversee tax compliance across sales, payroll, and federal/state filings, coordinating with external tax advisors as needed.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis (FP&A): Lead the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements in accordance with GAAP. Drive budgeting and forecasting processes, offering actionable insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Audit & External Relations: Manage relationships with external auditors, ensuring smooth year-end audits, and provide required documentation for audit reviews. Support investor relations by preparing financial models, presentations, and due diligence materials for fundraising efforts.
• Cash Flow & Capital Management: Oversee cash flow, capital, and liquidity to ensure adequate funding for operations and growth initiatives. Develop capital management strategies to optimize resource allocation.
• Financial Systems & Process Optimization: Establish, implement, and enhance financial systems, tools, and processes that promote scalability, accuracy, and efficiency as the company grows, ensuring a robust infrastructure for future needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or CPA is a plus).
• 8+ years of experience in finance or accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in a startup or high-growth environment.
• Expertise in financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Expertise in financial accounting, compliance, and reporting.

• Experience in manufacturing, technology, or aerospace industries is a plus.
• Experience with fundraising, venture capital, and investor relations.
• Ability to build financial systems and processes from the ground up.
• CPA: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred, or equivalent professional certification.
• Tax Knowledge: Experience managing state, federal, and local tax filings, including sales tax, payroll tax, and corporate income tax.
• Financial Systems Optimization: Experience in streamlining accounting processes or implementing new financial systems to improve operational efficiency and scalability.

Compensation is determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a base-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, and…