Financial Controller

Who we are:

Arkeus is a world leader in the provision of wide-area autonomous optical search systems in the Search, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance space for Defence, Civil Defence and Environmental Sustainment applications. We specialise in the design, fabrication, manufacture and distribution of these innovative systems.

Backed by the billion-dollar deep-tech and industry expert investors Main Sequence, Beaten Zone Venture Partners, and Salus Ventures we are scaling the deployment of our next-generation hardware-enabled software platform to help our customers improve security and save lives.

We are a small yet fast-growing company with energy, passion and ambition. Our inclusive, transparent and merit-based culture focuses on building a diverse and capable workforce - one that attracts skilled individuals who share our purpose and values.

To learn more about us, click here:  News | Arkeus

About the role:

Arkeus is seeking an experienced and driven Financial Controller to establish our first internal finance capability and build the financial infrastructure to support scale.

To date, Arkeus' finance operations have been managed externally through a consultancy. This role will bring those functions in-house, implement the systems, controls, and processes needed for audit readiness, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.

You'll work closely with our fractional CFO, leadership team, and virtual bookkeeping partner during the transition period and ultimately take full ownership of financial operations, reporting, and governance as the company matures.

This is a hands-on build role for someone who loves creating order and structure from the ground up, combining technical excellence with commercial insight.

About you:

You love your numbers, thrive in structure-building and enjoy being both strategic and hands-on. You're ready to roll up your sleeves to implement systems, refine processes and shape how finance operates in a high-growth deep-tech company.

You're commercially minded, detail-focused and excited by the opportunity to create a lasting foundation for a company making real-world impact.

Key responsibilities:

Build the Finance Function

• Lead the transition from outsourced finance to an internal, scalable finance function.
• Establish financial systems, controls and processes that enable audit readiness and compliance.
• Implement fit-for-purpose tools (e.g. Xero, approval workflows, payroll and ERP integrations).
• Recruit, mentor and manage a bookkeeper/accountant to support daily operations.

Financial Control, Reporting & Governance

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management reports - P&L, balance sheet, cash flow and forecasts.
• Develop dashboards and financial KPIs to support leadership and board reporting.
• Manage end-to-end accounting operations including payables, receivables, payroll and reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with AASB/IFRS, tax regulations and company policies.
• Build and maintain robust internal controls and documentation to ensure audit readiness.

Strategic Finance & Business Partnering

• Work closely with the CEO, COO and interim CFO to develop budgets, forecasts and long-term financial models.
• Provide analysis and commercial insight to support decision-making, investment and resource allocation.
• Support funding rounds and investor reporting through accurate data and narrative clarity.
• Guide leaders to "own their numbers" through transparency, education and collaboration.

Project & R&D Finance

• Create project-based budgeting and reporting frameworks across hardware, software and R&D programs.
• Align BOMs, project codes and cost structures for visibility over spend, milestones and burn rates.
• Support R&D tax incentive claims, grants and compliance documentation.
• Partner with operations to improve inventory management, cost attribution and financial forecasting.

Your experience and skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA/CA preferred).
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or senior accounting leader.
• Demonstrated ability to build finance functions, systems and processes in a start-up or scale-up.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, with audit, reporting and compliance expertise.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Hands-on experience with Xero (or similar) and compatible approval/workflow tools.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in manufacturing, defence, deep-tech, or project-based environments.
• Background managing grants, R&D tax claims, or capital projects.
• Exposure to ERP or system implementation projects.

What we offer:

• We make incredible things - you will be working in a company at the forefront of innovation in Australia.
• You will collaborate with experienced leaders, with backgrounds in aerospace, defence and academic research and development and just as much passion and energy as you have.
• You will become a part of a close-knit, inclusive and connected team, immersed in a dynamic startup culture. We focus on recruiting the best – this is the opportunity to surround yourself with other like-minded professionals who enjoy working in an environment where we are inspired by the passion and capability of the very people we work with.
• You will benefit from workplace flexibility and work-life balance.
• You have an opportunity to get in on the ground floor with our Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP)
• We will give you the chance to make a real difference.

If this sounds like you, please apply even if you don't check every box listed above, and join our growing team in improving security and saving lives