ABOUT PRAETORIAN AERONAUTICS

Praetorian Aeronautics is a leader in aerospace innovation, dedicated to the design and production of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for both military and civilian applications. We pride ourselves on pushing technological boundaries to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the complex demands of our clients.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a strategic and detail-driven Director of Finance to oversee the financial operations and future planning of the company. This role as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) requires strong financial leadership, a proactive approach to financial sustainability, and a deep understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and compliance.

The Director of Finance will be responsible for developing financial models, monitoring cash flow, managing the organisation’s financial books, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, and helping the company stay aligned to its financial plan. The position also oversees BAS submissions, R&D Tax Incentive returns, and supports strategic decision-making through clear financial insights.

This is an on-site role based in Hendon, South Australia.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Strategy & Planning

• Develop and maintain comprehensive financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow planning.
• Forecasting future financial results, creating budgets, and analysing variances to inform strategic decisions and recommendations to the CEO and leadership team.
• Support long-term financial planning, capital allocation, and scenario analysis.
• Ensure company spending aligns with approved budgets and financial strategy.

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Oversee all financial reporting functions, ensuring timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Providing internal management with cost, budget, and performance information for decision making
• Maintain and manage the organisation’s financial books in accordance with accounting standards.
• Prepare board-level finance reports, KPI dashboards, and financial summaries for both internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure strong cost-control systems and financial processes across the organisation.

Compliance & Regulatory

• Manage the preparation and submission of BAS, IAS, payroll tax, superannuation, and other statutory obligations.
• Oversee preparation and lodgement of R&D Tax Incentive claims, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors, and tax advisors as required.
• Establish the policies and processes to ensure management acts ethically and in the best interest of the company and its shareholders.

Cash Flow & Budget Management

• Monitor cash flow daily, weekly, and monthly, identifying risks or variances.
• Provide regular cash flow forecasts and recommendations to maintain operational stability
• Ensuring that the company has enough cash on hand to meet its short-term obligations.
• Manage and track budgets across departments, ensuring adherence and accountability.
• Conduct variance analysis and recommend corrective actions when budgets divert from plan.
• Managing the company’s short-term assets and liabilities, such as inventory, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.

Financial Oversight & Controls

• Ensure robust internal controls and governance processes are in place.
• Implement and improve financial systems, policies, and procedures.
• Support procurement and expenditure processes to maintain cost efficiency.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll activities.

Funding & Capital Management

• Determining the optimal mix of debt and equity to finance operations.
• Raising necessary capital through loans, stock, or other financial instruments

Risk Management

• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks, including insurable and under insured risks

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Demonstrated experience in finance leadership roles such as Finance Manager, Senior Accountant, Financial Controller, or equivalent.
• Strong technical background in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and modelling.
• Proven experience managing BAS, bookkeeping, compliance obligations, and general financial operations.
• Experience preparing R&D Tax Incentive documentation is highly desirable.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modelling.
• Strong knowledge of Australian accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
• Strong communication skills for presenting information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, practical approach.
• Highly accurate, detail-oriented, and committed to financial integrity.
• Proactive in identifying issues before they escalate.
• Collaborative and supportive in team environments.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Full-time presence in the Hendon, South Australia office.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, or Business.
• CPA/CA qualifications are preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING & SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must undergo a police check.
• The successful candidate must be eligible to obtain and hold an Australian Government security clearance. Eligibility requires Australian citizenship and the ability to meet security vetting criteria.