As Director of Finance, you will build financial systems and processes, oversee accounting, budgeting, and compliance, and manage audits while supporting investor relationships and strategic financing.
At Skyways, we are building a new form of air transportation—what some call the flying car. Backed by fresh funding and a major STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, we’re uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of aviation innovation. Our fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent a breakthrough opportunity to move goods—and soon, people—in ways that are faster, safer, and more efficient than ever before. Unlike anyone else in the industry, our strategy blends rapid iteration with real-world deployment, and it’s already paying off.
Skyways is a fast-growing startup based in Austin, TX, supported by top Silicon Valley investors including Y Combinator. Though we’re early-stage, our vehicles are already in production and in the hands of paying commercial customers (see here and here). With robust financial backing and government partnerships accelerating our momentum, there’s never been a better time to join us and help build the future of transportation!
The Opportunity
Skyways is at a critical inflection point, scaling from early production to mass deployment of autonomous aerial vehicles. We are hiring a Head of Finance to build and lead the financial foundation of the company. This is your chance to define the systems, strategy, and discipline that will enable Skyways to scale rapidly while maintaining operational and financial excellence. You’ll work closely with the executive team, investors, and government partners while rolling up your sleeves to own the details of accounting, audits, and financial operations.
What You’ll Do:
- Build and manage Skyways’ financial systems, processes, and controls from the ground up.
- Own accounting, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.
- Partner with leadership on strategic financing, pricing models, and long-term planning.
- Support fundraising strategy and investor relations, leveraging your network and credibility to strengthen Skyways’ market presence.
- Lead financial operations for defense and government contracts, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Manage audits and maintain investor- and audit-ready systems.
- Oversee financial tools and infrastructure.
- Provide data-driven insights and guidance to inform executive decisions.
What You’ll Bring:
- 10+ years of progressive finance experience, with success at early-stage, high-growth companies.
- Proven experience building finance functions from scratch and scaling them through growth and audits.
- Strong background in defense/government contract accounting and compliance.
- Demonstrated success supporting fundraising and maintaining investor relationships.
- Experience running or overseeing formal audits.
- Hands-on expertise with financial tools such as QuickBooks, Ramp, and ERP systems, and familiarity with BOM and manufacturing finance.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment with a mix of strategy and execution.
Bonus Points If You Have:
- CPA or MBA.
- Prior experience as the first finance hire at a successful startup.
- Direct fundraising track record with venture or government partners.
Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more!
Skyways is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Top Skills
Erp Systems
Quickbooks
Ramp
Skyways Austin, Texas, USA Office
Austin, Texas, United States
Similar Jobs
HR Tech • Payments • Software • Financial Services
The Head of Finance will lead the finance function, overseeing accounting and FP&A, establishing rigorous processes, financial modeling, and building a scalable finance organization.
Top Skills:
Asc 606MaxioQuickbooksUs Gaap
Fintech • Software • Financial Services
As Controller, oversee financial operations, accounting, reporting, and strategic financial planning, partnering with the CEO to drive growth.
Top Skills:
Accounting SoftwareFinancial Reporting ToolsSoc 2 Audit Standards
Big Data • Machine Learning • Software
As Head of Finance, you'll lead a world-class finance team, instill financial discipline, drive strategic growth, and manage investor relations for Guidewheel.
Top Skills:
AICfaCpaGaap
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center
