Director of Finance

Position Overview

CIE Defense is seeking a highly capable and operationally driven Director of Finance to lead and build the company’s financial infrastructure during a period of rapid growth within the defense, energetics, training, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

This role is far more than a traditional accounting position. The Director of Finance will oversee all aspects of financial operations, compliance support, procurement oversight, budgeting, forecasting, banking relationships, and strategic financial planning across multiple business units and affiliated companies. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment where they must build systems, improve processes, and support executive leadership directly.

The Director of Finance will play a critical role in supporting government contracting activities, manufacturing operations, procurement controls, regulatory compliance, inventory accountability, and long-term strategic growth initiatives.

Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership & Operations

• Lead all day-to-day financial operations across the company and affiliated entities
• Develop and manage company budgets, forecasting models, cash flow planning, and financial reporting
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Monitor company profitability, margins, burn rates, and operational efficiency
• Build and improve internal financial controls, SOPs, and reporting systems
• Manage banking relationships, credit facilities, insurance coordination, and financial documentation
• Oversee AR/AP, payroll coordination, tax coordination, and general ledger management
• Support executive leadership with strategic financial analysis and decision-making
• Assist with M&A analysis, investor presentations, capitalization planning, and growth strategy

Procurement & Operational Support

• Oversee procurement systems and purchasing controls
• Assist with vendor management, purchase approvals, contract reviews, and procurement compliance
• Coordinate with operations teams on inventory accountability and manufacturing cost tracking
• Monitor material costs, supply chain risks, and procurement efficiency
• Support pricing strategies and cost analysis for commercial and government opportunities

Compliance & Regulatory Support

• Assist with financial compliance related to federal contracting, ATF/FEL operations, and defense industry requirements
• Support DCAA readiness and government contracting compliance initiatives
• Help ensure compliance with accounting standards, audit requirements, and regulatory reporting
• Coordinate with legal, compliance, and operations personnel regarding recordkeeping and reporting obligations
• Maintain confidentiality and strict handling of sensitive company and customer information

Strategic & Executive Support

• Serve as a senior leadership team member supporting company growth initiatives
• Help scale financial infrastructure for rapidly growing operations
• Assist with strategic planning, forecasting, staffing analysis, and expansion initiatives
• Provide executive-level reporting and KPI dashboards to leadership
• Support implementation of ERP/accounting and operational software systems

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• 7 years of progressive finance/accounting leadership experience
• Strong understanding of operational finance, budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls
• Experience managing accounting operations in manufacturing, industrial, defense, logistics, or related industries
• High proficiency with QuickBooks, ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and financial modeling
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to operate independently and build scalable systems
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, MBA, or similar advanced credential preferred
• Experience with government contracting, DCAA compliance, FAR/DFARS, or defense-sector finance
• Experience supporting procurement and supply chain operations
• Experience with multi-entity or holding-company financial structures
• Familiarity with inventory accounting, manufacturing cost accounting, and project-based accounting
• Experience supporting audits, financing activities, or strategic growth initiatives
• Ability to obtain and maintain eligibility for work involving controlled or sensitive materials

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Potential equity or long-term incentive opportunities
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunity to help shape and scale a rapidly growing defense company
• High-impact leadership role with direct executive visibility

Pay: $72,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $72,000 - $100,000