Director, Accounting Operations

Company Overview:  

At Relativity Space, we have two audacious goals: to build the next great commercial launch company with Terran R and to become America's leading force in additive manufacturing innovation. Both contribute to our long-term vision of creating humanity’s industrial base on Mars, paving the way for interplanetary life to expand the possibilities of the human experience. This journey begins right here on Earth – where we design, build, and fly rockets to deliver customer payloads to orbit. Terran R, our medium-to-heavy lift reusable rocket, fulfills the growing demand for launch capacity, thanks to our iterative approach that accelerates design, testing, and development while minimizing costs. While our groundbreaking research and development in 3D printing pushes the boundaries of large-scale additive manufacturing.

Your journey with us is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology, additive manufacturing, and the human experience alongside a community of passionate, creative individuals. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we work together to transform our vision into reality.

Team:  

The Accounting team at Relativity is responsible for the financial integrity of the entire organization.  Our functions include general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting, audit, tax and compliance, accounts receivable, credit, cost accounting, and business data strategy. 

By collecting and maintaining the business’s financial activities in accordance with US GAAP, we are able to provide accurate and timely financial reports for strategic planning and decision-making purposes to management, investors, and other stakeholders.  This empowers the company to make smart business decisions as we pave the way to a multiplanetary future. 

In this role, you will be a key strategic leader responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of all aspects of Accounting Operations within the company, including but not limited to Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Credit Management, Payroll Operations, Travel & Expenses, and Insurance Program Management.  Reporting to the VP Controller, you will play a critical role in ensuring the efficiency, accuracy, and compliance of relevant operational processes.  You will manage a handful of managers, each overseeing their respective areas and teams, and will collaborate closely with other departments to drive operational excellence and support the company’s financial objectives.  You will be willing to roll up your sleeves and be hands-on where necessary.  The ideal candidate will have experience working as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or similar role at a smaller scale company, with a proven track record of leadership and strategic decision-making in accounting operations. 

What you’ll do: 

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the accounting operations team, ensuring alignment with company and department goals and objectives. 
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Accounting department, including but not limited to Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Credit Management, Payroll Operations, Travel & Expenses, and Insurance Program Management. 
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and controls to optimize efficiency, accuracy, and compliance within the accounting operations function. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and other departments to streamline processes, identify areas for improvement, and drive operational excellence on areas such as our procure-to-pay and people lifecycles. 
• Assess, manage, and mitigate financial and business risks through Credit and Insurance Management functions, including supporting our annual insurance procurement efforts and ongoing needs. 
• Manage and mentor a team of people managers and individual contributors, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities. 
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial data, including month-end and year-end close activities, as well as provide support and documentation to internal/external auditors as needed.
• Create and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Conduct regular audits to identify areas for improvement and ensure accuracy of financial data.
• Stay abreast of changes in accounting regulations, industry trends, and best practices to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. 

What you need to know:  

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field and 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting, with at least 5 years in a managerial or higher role
• 3+ years of prior working experience in an ERP system
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, processes, and systems
• Strong foundation in procure-to-pay lifecycle and credit management
• Strategic mindset, with the ability to think analytically, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive change
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and data schemas

Nice to haves but not required:  

• CPA certification or relevant professional certification 
• Experience working in a similar role in a complex and rapidly evolving organization
• Understanding of basic business tax needs such as income tax, sales/use tax, etc.
• Familiar with SOX compliance and its application on accounting operations functions
• Manufacturing and aerospace industry knowledge is a plus! 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.