Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking a Senior Director of Finance Applications to lead both the day-to-day stewardship of Finance systems and a high-priority ERP implementation initiative. In this role, you will build and lead the organization responsible for creating the infrastructure and systems that enable our operations teams to scale and achieve process excellence. A critical near-term mandate is leading Shield AI's ERP implementation end-to-end — serving as the bridge between Finance and IT to ensure business requirements are accurately translated into system design, that milestones are met on time and on budget, and that end users are set up for lasting success.
Success will require deep partnership with Finance leaders, the CIO organization, and external implementation partners to align systems and practices with Shield AI's overall business strategy. You will own scalability, functionality, and ease of execution across all Finance systems, with ERP as the cornerstone initiative.
What you'll do:
ERP Implementation (Primary Mandate)
Own the full ERP implementation lifecycle — from requirements gathering, process design, and vendor management through system configuration, UAT, data migration, cutover, go-live, and hypercare
Lead cross-functional workshops to document current-state Finance processes (AP, AR, GL, fixed assets, procurement, financial close) and define future-state workflows; translate outputs into functional specifications for configuration and integration
Oversee data migration strategy and validation for all financial master data including chart of accounts, vendor and customer records, open balances, and historical data
Manage the ERP implementation partner day-to-day — holding the system integrator and other vendors accountable to scope, quality, and delivery timelines; escalate risks and issues to the steering committee as needed
Lead executive-level status reporting on milestones, budget, and risks; manage cross-functional interdependencies across Finance, IT, HR, and Operations throughout the project lifecycle
Develop and execute a change management and training plan to drive user readiness and adoption; build a network of Finance super users and process champions to sustain the system post-go-live
Establish post-implementation governance including support model, ongoing enhancement prioritization, and handoff procedures from the implementation partner to internal teams
Ongoing Finance Systems & Strategy
Serve as the strategic owner for all Finance applications — maintaining system architecture, integration health, and a forward-looking technology roadmap aligned to Shield.ai's business priorities
Partner with Finance leaders and the CIO Office to perform gap assessments, formulate investment proposals, and develop multi-year capability roadmaps that balance resources and corporate objectives
Identify and implement process automation and standardization opportunities across the Finance ecosystem, maintaining audit readiness and knowledge continuity through documentation and cross-training
Manage a portfolio of Finance technology initiatives beyond ERP — driving prioritization, planning, and vendor oversight across the application landscape
Lead and develop a team of business and technical analysts, providing mentorship, career development, and strategic direction to build a high-performing, scalable organization
Required qualifications:
15+ years of progressively increasing responsibility in Finance applications, with a minimum of 8 years partnering with Finance functions on the implementation of new business capabilities enabled by IT
5+ years of direct, hands-on involvement in a full-lifecycle ERP implementation or major system upgrade (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, Workday Financials)
Deep understanding of core Finance processes: Record-to-Report, Order-to-Cash, Procure-to-Pay
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects with both business and IT stakeholders, including management of third-party implementation partners
Experience in Cloud Software application management and familiarity with new AI technology applications and capabilities is a plus
Extensive business system analysis skills and strong experience with system development lifecycle methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall)
Familiarity with ERP configuration concepts, data migration methodology, and integration architecture
Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira) and documentation tools (Visio, Confluence, or equivalent)
Ability to review and interpret functional specifications, data mapping documents, and UAT test plans
Past experience managing IT portfolios and budgets is a plus
Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Proven track record of influencing, leading, and facilitating initiatives with multiple senior stakeholders
Experience in change management and influencing across complex areas such as process design, system tradeoffs, and scaling programs through company growth stages
Grit and a can-do attitude — ability and willingness to roll up sleeves to ensure team and project success
Growth mindset, sense of curiosity, and strong problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
Highly organized individual who can multi-task and achieve results through teamwork and consultative approaches
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.