Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram.
As we scale our operations in Australia, we’re hiring a Senior Financial/Management Accountant to lead core financial processes and shape the future of our finance function. Reporting to the Country Head of Finance, this is a high-impact role blending financial control, compliance, and business partnering responsibilities. If you’ve worked in complex international environments and enjoy creating clarity from complexity, we’d love to hear from you.
What You'll Do:
* Own and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes - including journals, reconciliations, intercompany billing and US parent company reporting.
* Drive revenue recognition and ensure financial compliance with both US GAAP and IFRS standards.
* Lead local forecasting, budgeting, and financial tracking, supporting both local and global FP&A teams.
* Support the preparation of the Annual Operating Plan and contribute to long-term planning efforts.
* Deliver cost reporting and variance analysis to project managers and functional leaders.
* Provide accurate inventory reporting and maintain controls across fixed assets, accruals, and cash flow.
* Oversee statutory compliance (BAS, PAYG, FBT), liaising with external tax agents and payroll providers.
* Implement and enforce internal controls, policies, and workflows to ensure audit readiness and reporting quality.
* Partner cross-functionally with finance, legal, and operations - both locally and globally - to support integration, compliance, and continuous improvement.
* Work closely with the Country Head of Finance on strategic projects and evolving team priorities.
What You'll Bring:
* Solid experience in financial or management accounting within a global, fast-paced environment.
* CA/CPA qualification (or equivalent), with a strong understanding of both Australian and international accounting standards.
* Background in Big 4/mid-tier audit or prior experience within a scaling tech, manufacturing, or defence business.
* Advanced Excel skills and confidence navigating across systems - experience with Xero is a bonus.
* Familiarity with foreign currency translations and intercompany processes in a multi-entity environment.
* Ability to balance structure with flexibility - working with ambiguity, challenging constructively, and adapting quickly.
Why Shield AI?
* Work on mission-critical AI and autonomy systems solving real-world defence and security challenges.
* Be part of a collaborative and growing Melbourne-based team in a hybrid working environment (Port Melbourne HQ).
* Play a key role in building the local finance capability within a values-led, fast-scaling global tech business.
* Salary + equity for permanent roles, with long-term career growth opportunities.
Help us redefine what’s possible in autonomous defence — apply today.
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.