Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our team on a part-time basis, transitioning to a full-time role as significant funding is secured. Initially, this position will require approximately 15-20 hours per week, integrating deeply with our team to build financial foundations and lead our fundraising efforts. This role will scale into a full-time executive position, providing strategic financial leadership as we grow from a startup to a scaled enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Lead Series A fundraising: develop financial models, pitch materials, and investor narratives.
• Pursue non-dilutive funding and structured debt opportunities.
• Manage investor relations, due diligence, and optimize capital stack.
• Build and maintain 12–18 month cash forecasts and 3–5 year integrated models.
• Define and report on KPIs including burn rates, margins, and SaaS metrics.
• Analyze pricing and unit economics across hardware, SaaS, and services.
• Implement scalable systems, internal controls, and audit-ready processes.
• Ensure compliance with DCAA accounting standards and SBIR/DoD grant requirements.
• Establish revenue recognition policies and oversee tax and regulatory filings.
• Advise CEO and Board on financial strategy, capital allocation, and scenario planning.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and sales on budgeting and manufacturing strategy.
• Plan and scale the finance function post-funding.
• Prepare board-ready financial reports and strategic insights.
• Translate financial data into clear, actionable narratives.
• Champion financial discipline across the organization.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of finance leadership in venture-backed startups or high-growth tech companies.
• Proven track record managing finances for government-funded projects.
• Demonstrated success in leading fundraising efforts including Series A/B and grants.
• Expert-level financial modeling and forecasting skills.
• Hands-on experience building budgets, dashboards, and reporting frameworks.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field required; MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in hardware, deep-tech, climate-tech, defense, or industrial IoT preferred.
• Familiarity with DCAA audits, FAR regulations, and federal compliance standards.
• Experience implementing or upgrading ERP/accounting systems is a plus.
• Strong communicator and cross-functional collaborator.
• High integrity, attention to detail, and a proactive problem-solving mindset.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.

The pay range for this position is $137.00 - $187.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Rockville,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 31, 2026.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.