Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics. 

Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk

OVERVIEW OF ROLE 

Advanced Navigation is a global leader in high-performance navigation technologies. We are dedicated to creating the next generation of solutions for air, land, sea, and space applications. Our team is composed of passionate, innovative engineers, scientists, and professionals who are shaping the future of autonomous systems and navigation worldwide. We are rapidly expanding and are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Head of Finance to join our dynamic team, report directly to the CFO, and provide strategic financial leadership during this exciting growth phase.

The Head of Finance will be a pivotal and strategic member of the finance team, responsible for overseeing all global financial operations, leading the general ledger function, ensuring accurate and timely statutory financial reporting, and maintaining robust internal controls across multiple international entities. This role requires a highly experienced, hands-on accountant with proven leadership capabilities and a strategic mindset to drive continuous operational efficiency, scalability, and support global expansion.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Lead all aspects of the general ledger, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare, analyze, and present timely and accurate consolidated financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) in accordance with relevant accounting standards (e.g., IFRS/AASB).
• Coordinate and manage the end-to-end external audit process, acting as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee and optimize the management of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed asset functions.
• Manage banking relationships, foreign exchange risk, and ensure effective global cash flow management.

Compliance & Control

• Ensure comprehensive compliance with local, state, and federal tax filing requirements and regulatory reporting across all relevant international jurisdictions (e.g., BAS, GST/VAT, R&D tax incentives, international tax requirements).
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine effective internal financial controls, accounting policies, and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity in a scaling environment.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to global company policies and procedures.

Strategic Planning & Analysis

• Lead the development and management of annual budgets and periodic forecasts in collaboration with department heads.
• Provide high-level financial analysis, reporting, and strategic insights to support executive decision-making, including margin analysis, cost control, and profitability trends.
• Monitor actual performance against budget/forecast, investigating significant variances, and proactively recommending corrective financial actions.
• Work closely with the CFO on strategic initiatives, funding rounds, M&A due diligence, and long-term financial planning.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, manage, and mentor the finance team (including transactional staff), fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous process improvement.
• Drive the streamlining and automation of finance processes using technology and best practices to increase efficiency and support global scalability.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS 

• CPA, CA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex global financial close processes and preparing statutory and consolidated financial reports.
• Expert-level knowledge of accounting principles (IFRS/AASB preferred) and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth technology or complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency with modern ERP systems and advanced financial modeling skills in Excel.
• Extensive experience managing international financial operations, transfer pricing, and multi-currency transactions.
• Familiarity with Australian R&D tax incentive claims and grant funding reporting.
• Experience with the implementation or major optimization of accounting software/ERP systems.
• Exceptional leadership and team development capabilities.
• Superior analytical, strategic problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex financial information to the Executive team and external stakeholders.
• A proactive, strategic, and results-oriented approach, with a proven ability to manage multiple complex deadlines effectively.
• A high degree of integrity and ethical conduct.