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!