Chief Financial Officer at Blue Sky Innovators

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to serve as our senior financial strategist and operational leader as we scale from $30M to $100M+ in revenue. This role will be instrumental in building the financial infrastructure, systems, and processes needed to support aggressive growth while maintaining the agility and innovation that define our culture. The ideal candidate has successfully navigated this growth phase before and brings both strategic vision and hands-on execution capability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership team, providing data-driven insights for critical business decisions, coordinating and running the monthly financial meeting with the C-Suite
• Develop comprehensive financial models and forecasts to support organic growth, internal R&D investments, and strategic initiatives
• Lead annual budgeting/forecasting process with emphasis on program-level profitability and resource allocation
• Establish KPIs and financial metrics that drive accountability and performance across the organization
  
  

Growth Infrastructure & Controls

• Design and implement robust project control systems that provide real-time visibility into program financial performance
• Build transparent reporting frameworks that seamlessly connect program managers to corporate finance
• Establish financial governance processes appropriate for a scaling government contractor (FAR/DFARS compliance, timekeeping, indirect rate structures)
• Develop scalable financial operations that can support 3x revenue growth without proportional overhead increases
• Lead pricing for proposals and option year contract modifications
• Lead annual salary review process
  
  

Capital & Banking Relationships

• Cultivate and manage relationships with commercial banks and lenders to secure debt financing for equipment, facilities, and technical investments
• Structure and negotiate credit facilities, equipment financing, and working capital lines
• Leverage capital strategically to fund internal innovations and competitive differentiation (e.g., AIRLab expansion, R&D initiatives)
• Maintain strong banking partnerships while optimizing cost of capital
• Handle all corporate insurance and risk management
  
  

Strategic Transactions & Incentives

• Lead both buy-side and sell-side M&A processes including due diligence, valuation, integration planning, and execution
• Identify and secure state and local tax incentives, credits, and economic development programs (Virginia VEDP, Virginia Jobs Investment Program, etc.)
• Navigate complex incentive applications and reporting requirements to maximize benefits
• Structure deals and investments to optimize tax efficiency
  
  

Systems & Technology

• Evaluate, implement, and optimize financial software platforms that support growth (ERP, project accounting, business intelligence)
• Ensure seamless integration between financial systems, timekeeping, project management, and CRM platforms
• Champion data-driven decision making through modern financial analytics and reporting tools
• Maintain expertise across multiple financial software packages to select and implement best-in-class solutions
  
  

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a CFO or senior finance role
• Proven track record scaling a company from $30M to $100M+ in revenue with demonstrated success building financial infrastructure to support that growth
• Government contracting experience (defense, intelligence, or federal civilian preferred) with deep understanding of FAR/DFARS, indirect rates, and contract types
• Hands-on M&A experience leading both acquisition and divestiture processes from LOI through close
• Strong banking relationships with demonstrated ability to structure and secure debt financing
  
  

Technical Skills

• Financial modeling expert capable of building sophisticated models for scenario planning, investment decisions, and strategic analysis
• Multi-system proficiency with experience implementing and managing ERP systems, project accounting software (MSFT Business Central, Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, etc.), and business intelligence platforms
• Deep knowledge of government contract accounting, including DCAA compliance, incurred cost submissions, and forward pricing rate proposals
• State/local incentive expertise with successful track record securing economic development grants and tax credits
  
  

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinker who can balance long-term vision with near-term execution
• Builder who thrives in creating systems, processes, and infrastructure from scratch
• Collaborative leader who can partner effectively with operational leaders (program managers, business development, contracts)
• Strong communicator capable of translating complex financial concepts for diverse audiences
• High integrity with impeccable attention to detail and commitment to compliance
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment supporting national security
  
  

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (required)
• MBA or CPA strongly preferred
• Active or ability to obtain TS/SCI security clearance preferred
  
  

Reporting Structure

Reports directly to: Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports: Controller, Accountant

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at [email protected] and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.