Head of Accounting (UA)

Our client is a Ukrainian miltech startup developing advanced technological devices for Ukraine's defense sector, and is now looking for a Head of Accounting to join the team.

Location: Ukraine (only)
Type: Office|Hybrid, full-time
Start date: ASAP
About Company and Role:

A fast-growing international defense startup specializing in the development and production of air defense systems, rapidly scaling to meet Ukraine's national defense needs.
They believe there is a strong need for new technological solutions in the defense of free people in conflicts around the world. Their team includes experienced leaders from non-defense Silicon Valley startups who have seen this need first-hand and are committed to delivering.

The Head of Accounting is responsible for leading accounting operations for Ukrainian entities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with Ukrainian statutory requirements, and alignment with corporate accounting policies. This role oversees financial close, statutory reporting, internal controls, tax compliance, manufacturing accounting, and accounting process improvements. The position partners with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Production, Sales, and international finance teams to support scalable accounting operations and business growth.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee accounting operations across Ukrainian entities.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with Ukrainian Accounting Standards (UAS).
• Support group reporting under U.S. GAAP and ensure compliance with corporate accounting policies.
• Oversee preparation and submission of tax returns, statutory reports, and regulatory filings.
• Ensure compliance with Ukrainian accounting, tax, labor, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and financial governance processes.
• Lead statutory audits and coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory authorities.
• Oversee accounting for fixed assets, inventory, manufacturing costs, leases, and capital expenditures.
• Ensure accurate inventory accounting, including reconciliation of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Partner with Production, Supply Chain, Procurement, Sales, Human Resources, and Finance teams to support operational and financial processes.
• Lead continuous improvement, standardization, and automation of accounting processes and ERP workflows.
• Support ERP implementation, optimization, and enhancement initiatives to improve financial operations.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and process documentation.
• Review and approve purchase orders, vendor invoices, journal entries, account reconciliations, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Monitor changes in accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements and assess their impact on business operations.
• Identify accounting, financial, and compliance risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Lead, develop, and manage the accounting team, including establishing team structures, responsibilities, processes, and performance expectations.
• Support financial analysis, strategic initiatives, and special projects in partnership with Finance leadership.
• Collaborate with international finance teams to ensure alignment of priorities, reporting requirements, and accounting processes.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in an accounting leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Ukrainian Accounting Standards (UAS), tax legislation, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Experience supporting group reporting under U.S. GAAP or IFRS.
• Experience with manufacturing accounting, inventory valuation, cost accounting, and fixed asset accounting.
• Experience leading statutory and tax audits and working with external auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, accounting policies, and financial governance practices.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Odoo, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms.
• Experience with financial reporting, data analysis, and advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience leading and developing accounting teams in a manufacturing or operational environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and international teams.
• Upper-intermediate or higher English proficiency, with the ability to communicate effectively in a professional finance environment.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted tools and the ability to leverage them to improve productivity and workflow efficiency while ensuring the accuracy, quality, and confidentiality of work products.

 Would be a Plus:

• Professional accounting certification such as ACCA, CPA, DipIFR, CAP/CIPA, or equivalent.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Experience working in an international manufacturing or production organization.
• Experience with U.S.-headquartered or multinational companies.
• Experience with production costing, inventory control, and ERP implementations in manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of transfer pricing, intercompany accounting, and foreign currency transactions.
• Experience supporting business growth, process transformation, or ERP stabilization initiatives.

The company offers:

• Full-time position & official employment
• Competitive salary (based on interview results)
• Paid vacation and sick leave according to Ukrainian legislation 
• Medical & Life
• Insurance Reservation from mobilization
• Friendly and people-oriented team culture 
• Have opportunities to work on an innovative and impactful product