Director of Accounting

About Urban Sky: 

Urban Sky is a venture-backed aerospace startup that pioneers utilization of the stratosphere and reimagines the way humans view and analyze the earth. We design, build, operate, and sell stratospheric balloon systems, and the data we collect supports a wide range of applications, from real-time wildfire monitoring to urban mapping. Our technology is also employed by government customers including the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and others. Urban Sky sends flight vehicles to the stratosphere on a weekly basis. 

Our team consists of engineers, makers, developers, and doers who believe in the power of human potential when passion meets utility within a small, supportive team. At Urban Sky we strive to create a team culture grounded in candor, inclusion, respect and empowerment. 

We aim to build the next chapter of stratospheric history in Denver and are seeking self-starting, open-minded, and hard-working team members. 

About The Role: 

Urban Sky is seeking a Director of Accounting to lead and scale the company’s accounting operations. This role owns the end-to-end execution of the accounting function, including close management, process scalability, and operational accounting, while partnering closely with the VP of Finance on financial reporting, controls, and compliance.

The Director of Accounting is responsible for ensuring the accounting organization can reliably, efficiently, and accurately produce GAAP-compliant financials as the company grows in complexity, volume, and regulatory requirements. This role will be very hand-on at first but is expected to grow into a leadership role as the accounting team grows in line with the company.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented leader who thrives in ambiguity, possesses a high ownership mentality and is excited to help build foundational systems that will support Urban Sky’s long-term growth.

Day One Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Close Leadership:

• Work with outsourced accounting team to complete the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and manage AR/AP functions
• Ensure accurate, timely, and consistent financial results in accordance with US GAAP
  

Manufacturing, Cost & Inventory Accounting: 

• Perform deep-dive analysis of in-house built inventory management system and inventory accounting processes to improve accuracy of financial reports
• Establish and own inventory, WIP, and cost accounting processes
• Ensure accurate product costing, capitalization, and variance analysis
• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality and Engineering to ensure financial data aligns with operational reality

Partnership & Leadership:

• Act as a trusted partner to the VP of Finance on accounting execution, risk identification, and organizational planning
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve financial processes
• Provide clear, proactive communication on financial reporting status, risks, and issues

Responsibilities You'll Develop Into (Growth Expectations) 

Controls, Audit & Compliance 

• Implement and enforce internal controls and accounting procedures
• Ensure readiness for audits, investor diligence, and regulatory reviews
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local reporting requirements as well as compliance requirements related to government contracts (e.g., FAR, DFARS)

Systems & Process Improvement

• Own accounting systems, tools and workflows
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, and standardization across accounting processes
• Partner with the VP of Finance on financial system optimization, reporting improvements, and system scalability

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Develop, lead, and manage an accounting team as the company scales
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Build scalable processes, documentation, and training as the team grows
• Act as a thought partner to the VP of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
• Support fundraising, board reporting, and strategic initiatives as needed

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Strong command of US GAAP and financial close processes
• Proven experience leading accounting teams and complex close environments
• Experience in manufacturing, aerospace or high-growth startup environments
• Experience with inventory and cost accounting

Nice-to-Haves/Preferred Skills

• CPA
• Familiarity with FAR and DFARS compliance
• Experience supporting external audits and investor diligence
• ERP implementation or optimization experience
• Exposure to government contracting or regulated industries

Requirements: 

• Must be US Citizen or Permanent Resident 
• Must be located near Denver, CO or willing to relocate to Denver, CO
  • Our office is at 4800 Race St. In Denver, CO and this role is on-site 

Benefits: 

• Salary $130,000 - $160,000 per year  
• Stock Options 
• Medical, Vision and Dental 
• Unlimited Vacation Days 
• Cell Phone Bill Stipend 

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes that they have the skills and the passion necessary to succeed here to apply for this role. 

This position may require the candidate to deal with commodities, software, technology, defense articles, and/or technical data which are subject to the Export Administration Regulations and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Additional information may be requested so as to determine whether export authorization is required from the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. If authorization is required, employment will be contingent upon the Company successfully obtaining such authorization from the relevant government agency. 

Urban Sky is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.