Finance Manager – FP&A & Special Projects (all genders)

About Us STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems - not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe - today. About the team Your team is the Finance department and you will be working closely with many stakeholders. You will be reporting to the Team Lead Finance. Your mission Join one of Europe's fastest-growing defense startups and get a front-row seat for our financial operations. You will operate at the intersection of finance and strategy, supporting the Finance team in driving sustainable growth in a fast-moving, complex environment. We are looking for a highly adaptable individual who thrives in ambiguity and is genuinely excited by the "chaos" of setting up critical financial infrastructure from scratch. Responsibilities • Financial Planning & Analysis: Own the budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting cycles end to end. Build and maintain financial models, and assist in the budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis cycles, helping to identify risks and opportunities • Financial Reporting: Own the monthly close in close partnership with the accounting team, and deliver accurate, decision-ready management reporting, KPI dashboards and board-level materials • Business Partnering: Act as the finance partner to department and functional leads, supporting headcount, spend and investment decisions with robust analysis • Cost, Margin & Working Capital: Develop and own cost accounting and unit economics across product lines. Monitor gross margin, inventory and working capital, and partner with operations and procurement on supplier terms, cost-control initiatives and cash efficiency • Process Setup & Operations: Help build and maintain financial processes from the ground up, including data management within financial systems • Strategic & Special Projects: Drive high-impact projects such as fundraising and investor support, scenario and contract modelling, pricing, and M&A evaluation and integration. Collaborate with regional and group Finance teams on cross-entity initiatives and help translate strategy into financial plans • Stakeholders, Vendors & Team: Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors and service providers, and coordinate audits and statutory requirements. As the function grows, help shape, mentor and raise the bar for a small finance team, leading by example with high standards and low ego. Qualifications • A completed bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or a related field • 4–5 years of professional experience ideally combining a foundation in audit, advisory, consulting or investment banking with hands-on FP&A or controlling in a fast-scaling company • Demonstrated ownership of full FP&A cycles (budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis) and of month-end reporting, ideally including some experience in a product- or manufacturing-based business • A hardworking and flexible mindset; you are comfortable working under tight deadlines, navigating ambiguity, and building processes from scratch • Excellent English communication skills; professional fluency in German is a plus • Solid understanding of financial statements and financial modelling (strong Excel skills are essential) • Collaborative, service-oriented approach to teamwork i.e., high standards, low ego • High priority on responsibility, absolute confidentiality, a very structured way of working, as well as dedication and reliability Your contact: Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner via talent@stark-defence.com