Division Finance Manager at Axiom Space in Houston, TX

Axiom Space is guided by the vision to build era-defining space infrastructure that drives exploration and fuels a vibrant space economy for the benefit of every human everywhere. Axiom Space is the leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit. Axiom Space operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station – a permanent commercial destination in low-Earth orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.

Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Division Finance Manager who is fueled by high accountability, execution horsepower, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

Since Axiom Space is a very complex work environment, we are looking for a resilient, high-energy Division Finance Manager. This role is responsible for leading all financial control, reporting, and analysis activities for a portfolio of aerospace programs including R&D initiatives, direct customer contracts, and internal asset development programs. This role ensures the financial integrity of program reporting, supports leadership decision-making through of financial insights, and maintains compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable government contracting regulations.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience in program finance within aerospace, defense, or high-technology industries, and has familiarity with both commercial and government contracts, including cost accounting practices and regulatory compliance. This role works closely with Program Management, Engineering, Contracts, and Executive Leadership to manage financial performance across the program lifecycle.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Financial Management

• Lead financial planning, tracking, and reporting for multiple projects within the program including R&D, direct customer contracts, and capital build.
• Develop and maintain program financials, EAC file, and
• Monitor program financial performance including revenue, costs, margins, and cash flow.
• Provide monthly variance analysis comparing actuals vs. budget, forecast, and contract baselines.
• Partner with Program Managers and Engineering leads to track cost performance and identify risks or opportunities.

Financial Close & Reporting

• Own program-level financial reporting processes for monthly, quarterly, and annual closes.
• Ensure financial reporting complies with U.S. GAAP and internal accounting policies.
• Prepare program financial summaries and support the corporate reporting team to maintain program performance dashboards for senior leadership.
• Coordinate with Corporate Accounting on revenue recognition, accruals, capitalization, and indirect cost allocations.

Contract & Compliance Management

• Support financial review and oversight of commercial and government contracts, ensuring proper cost classification and compliance with all contract terms.
• Assist with interpretation and application of relevant regulations such as FAR, DFARS, and cost accounting standards (CAS) where applicable.
• Collaborate with Contracts and Legal teams on financial provisions within customer agreements through negotiations.
• Support internal and external audits related to program financials and government contracts.

Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead program-level annual operating plans (AOP), rolling forecasts, and long-range planning.
• Evaluate funding requirements and capital investment for internal asset development programs.
• Support business case development for new program investments and R&D initiatives.
• Provide scenario modeling and ad-hoc financial analysis to support strategic program decisions.

Partnerships

• Serve as the primary finance partner to Program Management, Engineering, Operations, and Contracts teams.
• Drive financial discipline across all projects within the program through improved cost visibility and accountability.
• Support proposal development with pricing analysis and cost estimates when required.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• MBA, CPA, or CMA certification preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in program finance, financial controlling, or project accounting within aerospace, defense, or advanced technology industries.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and government contracting.
• Experience managing financials for complex programs including R&D and long-duration capital projects.
• Advanced proficiency with financial modeling, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience supporting monthly and quarterly financial close processes.
• Experience with percentage-of-completion and point in time revenue recognition methods.

Core Skills

• Passion for space and the mission

• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset

• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

• Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges

• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results

• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally

• Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster

Core Competencies:

Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability
• Technical Rigor
• Execution Discipline
• Pride of Delivery

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)
• Equipment and Machines
• Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.