Head of Finance - Vodasafe (Aquaeye)

VodaSafe dba AquaEye is a fast-growing company transforming the water rescue industry. Our flagship product, AquaEye®, is a handheld sonar device that helps first responders locate drowning victims faster and more effectively. As we continue to expand our global reach and product line, we are looking for a strategic and hands-on Head of Finance to lead our financial operations, modeling, and planning functions.

This role is critical to supporting AquaEye’s next stage of growth. You’ll work directly with the CEO and leadership team to ensure the company’s financial health, scalability, and operational excellence. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and wants to have a meaningful impact on the company’s mission and future.

Job Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Reporting:

• Manage full-cycle accounting and the month-end close process in collaboration with an outsourced accounting team. 
• Prepare and present accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports that inform strategic decisions.
• Oversee reconciliation reports, semi-monthly payroll, and all aspects of accounting operations to ensure compliance, accuracy, and timely close.
• Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure audit readiness.
• Coordinate annual audits and lead relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and financial institutions.
• Prepare quarterly financial reports for board and investor packages, highlighting key performance insights and trends.
• Oversee government grant reporting to ensure compliance and accelerate funding recovery.

Agile Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):

• Build and lead the FP&A function, embedding agile modeling techniques to support rapid iteration, scenario planning, and data-driven decision-making.
• Develop dynamic, driver-based financial models that can be quickly adapted to reflect evolving business conditions, market shifts, or funding scenarios.
• Continuously update projections with actuals and collaborate with department heads to assess budget-versus-actual performance and forecast adjustments.
• Design and refine modular financial models to evaluate business performance, pricing, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Lead the annual budgeting process while maintaining rolling forecasts to support agile decision-making.
• Develop long-term financial forecasts and sensitivity analyses that align with strategic objectives and capital plans.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance metrics and KPIs, surfacing actionable insights to guide leadership priorities.

Financial Strategy

• Partner with leadership across engineering, product, and operations to manage budgets, optimize spending, and drive operational efficiency.
• Lead the financial aspects of vendor negotiations, capital allocation, and pricing strategy.
• Support business case development for new initiatives and evaluate return on investment (ROI) using agile financial modeling tools.
• Contribute to fundraising, grant applications, and investor reporting by translating financial data into clear strategic narratives.

Team & Growth:

• Build and mentor a high-performing finance team that embraces agility, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Implement scalable financial systems, tools, and processes that enhance forecasting speed and accuracy.
• Establish efficient workflows and data pipelines to reduce manual effort and improve financial insight velocity.
• Support company growth and market expansion by developing adaptable financial structures and scalable processes.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• CPA designation or equivalent professional accounting/finance qualification.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in accounting, FP&A, or financial leadership roles.
• Experience in a start-up or small-company environment (ideally hardware, tech, or manufacturing).
• Strong background in financial modeling, forecasting, and business analysis.
• Proficiency with financial software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, or similar) and Excel/Google Sheets.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting venture-backed growth or managing investor relations.
• Familiarity with inventory management, cost accounting, and hardware manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Canadian tax, payroll, and compliance requirements.

Benefits

At VodaSafe, we build technology that saves lives — and we apply the same care to building a people-first workplace.

·       Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

·       Employee ownership opportunities.

·       Health, dental, and vision coverage.

·       4 weeks paid vacation plus company closure between Dec 24 – Jan 1.

·       Flexible and dynamic work environment.

·       Opportunity to directly shape the company’s financial future and strategic direction.

DEI Statement:

VodaSafe is a values-driven company that is deeply committed to building an equitable and diverse workforce. We recognize that our greatest asset is our team. We encourage each team member to be their true, authentic selves. Curiosity, ambition, humility, and empathy are at the base of everything we do. We welcome diverse perspectives, educational backgrounds, and experiences to best serve our team, customers, and community.

Inclusion Statement:

Hesitant to Apply?

Research shows that women and underrepresented groups may hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. At VodaSafe, we hire for potential. If this role excites you and aligns with your strengths, we encourage you to apply even if your background doesn’t perfectly align with every bullet.