Finance Operations Manager

Vast is looking for a Finance Operations Manager, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

This role is designed for a highly strategic, finance-forward operator who can serve as an extension of the CFO in both internal and external initiatives. This individual will play a critical role in fundraising execution, investor engagement tracking, financial operations coordination, and executive-level communications, as well as provide CFO executive support.

The ideal candidate combines financial acumen, operational rigor, and strong executive presence. They are highly analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion. They thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments and are comfortable operating at both the strategic and tactical levels.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities:

Strategic & Financial Partnership

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CFO on company-wide financial priorities and operational execution.
• Sit in on finance, fundraising, and executive meetings to capture action items, track follow-ups, and ensure alignment against priorities.
• Help drive preparation and execution of fundraising processes, including investor tracking, diligence coordination, and timeline management.
• Maintain oversight of investor pipeline tracking, meeting logs, and engagement follow-ups.
• Support board and investor reporting cycles, including preparation of materials and coordination across Finance, Legal, and executive leadership.

Fundraising & Investor Relations Support

• Coordinate and track all investor interactions, including outreach, meetings, data room requests, and follow-ups.
• Manage fundraising project plans and ensure cross-functional deliverables are completed on time.
• Support diligence processes by organizing materials, coordinating internal stakeholders, and maintaining data rooms.
• Assist in crafting presentations and materials for investors, lenders, and strategic partners.
• Provide VIP support and experience to existing and prospective investor visits to Vast offices.

Financial Operations & Cross-Functional Execution

• Partner with FP&A, Accounting, Legal, and Business Operations to ensure CFO priorities are executed effectively.
• Improve internal processes that streamline information flow to the CFO and executive team.
• Track and manage critical finance-related initiatives, ensuring accountability across stakeholders.

Executive Operations

• Manage and optimize the CFO’s calendar and priorities to ensure time is aligned with highest-impact initiatives.
• Draft communications and prepare briefing materials for internal and external meetings.
• Ensure the CFO is fully prepared for board meetings, executive reviews, fundraising updates, and external engagements.
• Handle sensitive and confidential financial matters with discretion.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in finance, investment banking, private equity, corporate development, strategic finance, or high-growth startup environments.
• Experience supporting senior executives in a strategic or operational capacity.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of fundraising processes, capital markets, and financial reporting.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel and PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience supporting a CFO, CEO, or senior finance executive.
• Direct experience in venture-backed or capital-intensive industries (aerospace, manufacturing, hardware, deep tech).
• Experience managing fundraising processes or investor relations.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize complex financial information into executive-ready insights.
• Proven ability to operate in high-growth environments with shifting priorities.
• MBA or relevant advanced degree is a plus.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to be on site 5 days per week at our Long Beach HQ.
• Willingness to work extended hours as needed to support fundraising cycles, board meetings, and critical milestones.
• Ability to travel occasionally to support investor meetings or company initiatives.

Pay Range 

• Finance Operations Manager: $119,000.00 -$150,000.00