Business Operations and FP&A
About Quartermaster
Quartermaster is revolutionizing maritime domain awareness by transforming civilian and commercial vessels into a persistent, AI-powered sensing network.
SmartMast™ technology provides real-time HD video, geolocation, and signal monitoring to detect illicit activities and make waterways safer globally.
Seeking an analytically rigorous Operational FP&A Manager to serve as a strategic thought partner to the Head of Finance and Head of Operations.
This role is instrumental in building the FP&A function from the ground up, focusing on operational metrics, unit economics, and hardware-enabled technology business drivers.
The role bridges finance and operations, translating complex operational data into actionable financial insights for strategic decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning & Analysis
Help drive the annual budgeting process and quarterly reforecasting cycles, working with department heads to build bottoms-up financial plans aligned with strategic objectives.
Prepare monthly variance analysis (actual vs. budget vs. forecast) with actionable insights, root cause identification, and data-driven recommendations.
Develop and maintain robust financial models connecting operational drivers to financial outcomes, enabling scenario analysis and strategic decisions.
Own the financial close-to-reporting timeline, working closely with accounting to accelerate insights delivery.
Operational Analytics & Unit Economics
Partner with the Head of Operations to define, track, and analyze key operational metrics including hardware deployment costs, fulfillment logistics, installation efficiency, sensor network utilization, and customer acquisition costs.
Build executive dashboards and operational scorecards highlighting operational performance and financial outcomes.
Develop expertise in hardware unit economics: COGS breakdown (sensor hardware, installation, satellite communication), contribution margins by product/customer segment, and cash conversion cycles.
Conduct margin optimization analyses across the value chain to improve gross margins through procurement, installation, or pricing strategies.
Create operational forecasts that translate activity-based drivers into financial projections.
Strategic Business Partnering
Serve as a trusted advisor to Operations leadership, translating operational plans into financial impacts and aiding resource allocation decisions.
Build business cases for strategic initiatives including new market expansion, product development, capital investments, and partnerships.
Support fundraising and investor relations efforts by preparing financial materials, scenario models, and data room documentation.
Participate in cross-functional strategic planning sessions, providing financial perspective on priorities and growth opportunities.
Identify and quantify risks and opportunities, conducting sensitivity analyses on key assumptions.
Reporting & Communication
Prepare monthly Board reporting packages communicating financial performance, operational KPIs, strategic initiatives, and risk factors.
Develop data visualizations and presentations to make complex financial information accessible to different audiences.
Create ad-hoc analyses in response to executive questions, investment opportunities, and strategic initiatives.
Communicate financial insights with clarity, tailoring messaging to audiences from technical teams to Board members.
Systems & Process Leadership
Design and implement scalable FP&A processes, tools, and best practices for the company's growth phase.
Build and maintain integrated financial planning models connecting revenue drivers, operational metrics, headcount planning, and cash flow projections.
Evaluate and possibly implement FP&A software platforms to enhance efficiency and analytical capabilities.
Partner with accounting to ensure data integrity, establish single sources of truth, and streamline month-end close.
Document processes and create a knowledge base to enable team scaling and business continuity.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or quantitative field.
4-8 years of progressive FP&A experience, especially in high-growth startups, venture-backed, or operationally complex businesses.
Expert-level Excel/Google Sheets skills including advanced modeling (complex formulas, pivots, scenario and sensitivity analysis).
Strong understanding of SaaS metrics and hardware/logistics business models, including unit economics, cohort analysis, operational leverage.
Demonstrated ability to build financial models from scratch and perform complex scenario analysis with minimal supervision.
Proven experience partnering with operational leaders, bridging financial and operational metrics.
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail.
Outstanding written and verbal communication, able to distill complex analyses into clear executive insights.
Self-starter able to work independently, prioritize, and thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
Demonstrated ownership mindset and ability to build processes from scratch.
Preferred Qualifications
MBA, CFA, or CPA designation.
Experience at a top-tier investment bank, consulting firm, or PE/VC-backed growth company.
Hands-on experience with modern FP&A software platforms.
SQL, Python, or R skills for data analysis, automation, and working with large datasets.
Experience with BI tools for dashboard creation and data visualization.
Prior experience in hardware, supply chain, logistics, or operationally intensive businesses.
Experience with international operations, multi-currency management, or cross-border transactions.
Track record of building FP&A functions from scratch in a scaling environment.
Understanding of government contracting, defense industry dynamics, or maritime/security sectors (helpful but not required).
Why Join Quartermaster?
High-impact role: Build the operational FP&A function from the ground up at a well-funded, rapidly scaling company.
Leadership exposure: Direct partnership with Head of Finance, Head of Operations, and regular executive team interaction.
Career development: Path to senior FP&A, operational leadership, or broader roles as the team scales; chance to build and mentor a team.
Equity opportunity: Attractive equity package with participation in the company's future growth.
Unique business model: Opportunity to work at the intersection of hardware, SaaS, AI, and maritime security.
Mission-driven work: Contribute to global maritime safety and security with a collaborative team.
Intellectual challenge: Complex business model requiring sophisticated analytics, operation, and strategic thinking.