About the Job

Become Part of a Meaningful Mission!

Torch.AI is a defense-focused AI software company on a mission to build the government’s AI-native data infrastructure control layer—extensible across domains, owned by the mission, and positioned to become the operating backbone of U.S. national security. We deliver advanced AI and data software capabilities directly to customer mission owners to meet flexible, user-defined specifications and enable a decision advantage for the warfighter.

As Head of Finance, you will be responsible for building and leading the financial systems that fuel Torch.AI’s continued growth. You’ll own strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance while serving as a trusted advisor to the CEO, COO, Chief of Staff, leadership team, and staff. Your leadership will ensure Torch.AI scales responsibly and sustainably while maintaining agility to pursue opportunities in defense and national security.

The Environment: Unlock Your Potential

Torch.AI is experiencing rapid growth—scaling GTM strategies, expanding hiring, strengthening operations, and competing directly with multi-billion-dollar incumbents and emerging AI companies. The Head of Finance will play a critical role in shaping how we deploy capital, manage risk, and measure success.

You’ll provide financial clarity to complex decisions, guiding investment in new programs, optimizing pricing strategies, and ensuring operational discipline. This role requires a proactive leader with both strategic perspective and hands-on ability to implement systems, controls, and processes that support a high-growth technology business.

**
**

Your Day-to-Day Will Rarely Ever Be the Same

• Financial Strategy & Planning: Lead budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning, and long-term financial planning aligned with company growth objectives.
• Investor Relations, Capital Allocation, Equity Management: Support cap table management, investor reporting, and investor outreach, as appropriate.
• Executive Partnership: Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, COO, Chief of Staff, and leadership team, providing financial insights to drive decision-making.
• Financial Operations: Oversee cash management, capital allocation, and resource planning to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
• Reporting & Metrics: Deliver timely, accurate financial reports, dashboards, and analyses for internal leadership, board members, and investors.
• Risk & Compliance: Maintain compliance with financial regulations, government contracting requirements, and internal controls, including but not limited to CMMC/Cybersecurity-related finance controls and audit readiness.
• Contracts & Pricing: Guide financial strategy for proposals, contracts, and pricing models to optimize margins and competitiveness. Support contract lifecycle activities for capture, burn rates, ceiling limits, and funding increments.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance and accounting team that scales with the business.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with operations, GTM, HR, and product teams to align financial practices with company objectives.

**
**

Critical Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or CPA strongly preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive finance experience, including leadership roles in high-growth or technology companies; experience in similar roles at a defense contractor, a plus.
• Experience with government contracting, compliance, and audit processes
• Strong background in financial planning, analysis, and reporting
• Ability to manage scalable financial systems and processes, including ERP platforms (e.g., NetSuite, Workday, SAP) to support growth and compliance (note: Torch.AI uses Unanet and prior experience is not required, but exposure to broad ERP systems is desired)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex financial data for diverse audiences
• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing finance and accounting teams
• High integrity, discretion, and sound judgment in handling sensitive financial matters
• Capital strategy and fundraising expertise, including evaluation of debt/equity structures, investor partnerships, and M&A activity
• Data-driven decision making, with the ability to translate financial insights into actionable operational improvements
• Understanding of FAR/DFARS cost principles, indirect rate structures, and DCAA compliance
• Experience presenting to boards, investors, and external stakeholders with clarity and influence
• Strategic agility to balance near-term execution with long-term planning in a fast-moving environment
• Change leadership skills to guide teams through scaling, transformation, or restructuring

Bonus

• Prior experience in defense, government, or national security sectors
• Familiarity with pricing strategies and financial modeling for SaaS or AI-based businesses
• Experience with investor relations and capital markets communication

Location

This is an in-office role at our headquarters in Leawood, Kansas (Kansas City metro area)

Compensation Overview

The expected salary range for this position is $160,000–$200,000 per year , depending on experience and qualifications.

Incentives

• Equity: Eligibility for company equity incentive program within first 12 months
• Competitive base salary, variable incentives, and annual performance-based bonuses
• Unlimited PTO
• 11 paid holidays
• High visibility and professional development opportunities in a fast-growth, high-tech environment
• Weekly in-office catering at our Leawood HQ

Benefits

Torch.AI offers comprehensive benefits that exceed regional standards:

• Medical: PPO, HSA, or TRICARE options with above-average HSA contributions
• Dental and Vision: Above-average coverage and allowances
• Life Insurance and Disability: Employer-paid coverage exceeding typical levels
• Voluntary Benefits: Accident insurance, critical illness coverage, hospital indemnity, and commuter perks