On behalf of our portfolio company, Skyward, we are seeking an entrepreneurial and detail-oriented Finance Controller & Head of Sales.
About Us: Skyward is a dynamic Canadian startup on a mission to make the world safer. Our cutting-edge technology can stop lightning and prevent out-of-control wildfires, protect communities, and avoid 5% of global GHG emissions. We combine science, big data, and machine learning to tackle one of nature's most unpredictable and devastating forces; lightning. If you’re passionate about making a real-world impact, we want you on our team!
Mission: Skyward’s mission is to save lives, ecosystems, and communities by preventing lightning from causing out-of-control fires on high-risk days. In Canada, in 2023, lightning caused 93% of area burned, community evacuations, billions in fire-fighting costs, and released an “India’s worth” of greenhouse gas (3x Canada’s entire economy). Hotter and drier forests, as a result of climate change, are making lightning more deadly. Preventing lightning wildfires is the lowest cost option globally for emissions reductions.
The Role: The Financial Controller will build our finance function from the ground up. This is a pivotal role for someone who is both entrepreneurial and detail-oriented, capable of managing the company’s financial operations, securing and managing grants, and overseeing compliance and administrative processes. The ideal candidate is comfortable rolling up their sleeves in a fast-paced startup environment, has experience with government procurement, and thrives on finding creative ways to save and earn.
This role will replace outsourced finance activities currently handled by a third-party services provider and build a scalable finance function that supports the company’s rapid growth. There is potential to grow this role into a Chief Financial Officer position as the company scales.
Key Responsibilities:
Finance, Tax & Accounting Operations
● Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, payroll, and bookkeeping.
● Build a scalable finance function that supports the company’s growth from 0 to 1.
● Manage tax compliance and mitigate financial risks.
● Prepare and present financial statements and analysis, modeling & reports to the leadership team and board
● Ensure accurate and timely financial and tax reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
Grant Management & Revenue Generation
● Lead the process with other team members to identify and secure grant and non- dilutive funding opportunities
● Manage the end-to-end grant process, from application to reporting.
● Ensure compliance with grant requirements and deadlines.
● Secure and manage government and other non- dilutive funding through programs such as IRAP and SR&ED.
HR Systems, Compliance & Administration
● Administer payroll, benefits & HR systems to ensure compliance with regulations.
● Manage administrative processes related to financial and HR compliance.
● Ensure the company’s internal controls are effective and scalable.
Strategic Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration
● Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, providing financial insights that drive decision-making.
● Collaborate with other departments to ensure alignment on the Corporation's financial goals.
● Support the leadership team in financial planning and strategy execution.
Key Attributes & Qualifications
Must-Have Attributes
● Business Savvy: Combine financial expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset to deliver value to all stakeholders
● Grant Experience: Proven track record in securing and managing non- dilutive funding
● Strategic, Vocal, and Independent: Able to work autonomously while contributing to strategy execution
● X-Functional: Collaborates with other departments and demonstrates leadership in building company culture
● Good Negotiator: Self-motivated and proven ability to identify and act upon opportunities that save costs and increase revenue
● Builder: Thrives on creating and scaling processes from the ground up.
● CPA, CMA, or Equivalent: Professional accounting designation or equivalent
● Resiliency: Sees challenges and setbacks as an opportunity to be creative
● Flexibility: Adaptable to evolving priorities and business needs.
● Ability to Pivot: Quick to adjust strategies and approaches to align with changing conditions
Preferred Qualifications
● Education : Professional accounting designation or degree in business, finance, or accounting.
● Experience securing Canadian (and non- Canadian) non- dilutive funding and SR&ED a strong asset.
● Comfortable Presenting to Boards: Experience preparing & presenting financial reports
● Government Procurement Experience: Strong understanding of government procurement processes and funding programs.
What We Offer
● World-Changing Mission: Contribute to groundbreaking solutions to reduce wildfires
● Personal Growth: As an early team member, you can contribute and grow significantly
● A Collaborative, Fast-Paced Culture: Work alongside passionate individuals
● Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Market compensation with the fun of a startup!