Director, Accounting (3451)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide.  For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.    

Shield AI is seeking an Accounting Director to join our Finance team. As Shield AI expands globally, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape the accounting function at a high-growth, mission-driven tech company. Reporting to the Controller, this role will oversee the global accounting close process, intercompany operations, and process improvement initiatives while building scalable infrastructure to support audit readiness and public company standards.

What you'll do:

• Lead the consolidation process for all subsidiaries, including intercompany eliminations and foreign currency translations.
• Oversee and execute day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger accounting, payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
• Collaborate with the extended finance team to ensure a timely close and reporting process and support the execution of team objectives.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of internal controls, ensuring compliance with future SOX requirements.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of accounting systems and processes.
• Lead change management initiatives across teams through documented governance practices.
• Promote quality within the organization through ongoing inspection, verification, and reconciliation.
• Stay current on industry best practices and emerging trends.
• Perform other tasks as assigned to support the company’s strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (preferred) or in Finance or a related field.
• Expert-level understanding of U.S. GAAP and experience maintaining a strong internal control environment, including SOX compliance.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Highly driven and self-motivated, with demonstrated leadership, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proven experience coordinating with external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage projects from inception to completion while incorporating feedback from multiple sources.
• Skilled at multi-tasking, prioritizing competing demands, and managing assignments within deadlines.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Active CPA license.
• Experience in a software, defense technology, or aerospace company.
• Strong knowledge of project-based accounting.
• Excellent leadership, people management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and implement effective solutions.
• Demonstrated decisiveness in resolving business issues, making informed decisions, and setting clear priorities.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.