Finance and Accounting Manager

Axle•Rockville, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Axle Informatics is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations around the globe. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with premier research organizations and facilities including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other public and private organizations. Axle is seeking an experienced Finance & Accounting Manager to build, lead, and scale a best-in-class finance and accounting function and support portfolio management initiatives. This role owns Axle’s core accounting operations and financial reporting, while also overseeing financial forecasting, valuation, and performance analysis across our portfolio companies. You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining scalable accounting processes, consolidating and analyzing financial results, designing KPI frameworks and dashboards, supporting valuation efforts, and delivering clear, actionable insights to Axle’s leadership team. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a finance and accounting structure with a new mission and perspective, and one that is actively investing in and operating multiple businesses. The Finance & Accounting Manager will play a critical role in driving company growth and long-term value creation, operating an investor/operator mindset displayed through managing accounting activities but building a scalable, performance-driven finance organization. This role requires the ability to work out of our Rockville, MD or Tysons. VA office five days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required)
Private Equity accounting experience (required)
5+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience
3+ years in a people management or leadership role
Experience building or scaling accounting functions
Strong knowledge of accounting operations, internal controls, and compliance
ERP and financial systems experience
Hands-on, ownership-driven leader comfortable in fast-paced environments
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Nice To Haves

CPA, CMA, or MBA (preferred)

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day accounting operations, including AP, AR, payroll, general ledger, and financial reporting
Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with speed, accuracy, and consistency
Ensure compliance with GAAP, SOX-aligned controls, and applicable tax and regulatory requirements
Establish, document, and maintain strong internal controls to mitigate financial and operational risk
Design and implement institutional-grade accounting processes, controls, and documentation to support growth, oversight, and complex financial activity
Build standardized reporting frameworks to support performance monitoring and executive decision-making
Track and report key financial and operational KPIs, including close cycle time, reporting timeliness, billing accuracy, cash flow, and error rates
Drive process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement across finance operations
Manage internal and external audits and ensure continuous audit readiness
Oversee fund and investment-related accounting activities, including tracking capital activity, distributions, and investor reporting
Monitor the financial health, cash flow, and operating performance of acquired or invested entities
Support valuation and performance reporting, including fair value analysis and ongoing investment performance tracking
Provide transactional support for acquisitions and exits, including financial due diligence, integration, and separation activities
Partner on restructuring, efficiency initiatives, and value-creation efforts that extend beyond traditional accounting
Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing finance and accounting team
Set clear goals, KPIs, and accountability across the team
Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and coaching
Foster a culture of ownership, accuracy, and continuous improvement
Oversee financial systems and tools (e.g., Business Central, Deltek, QuickBooks, and others)
Lead adoption of new systems, tools, and automation initiatives
Ensure data integrity, security, and scalability as the organization grows
Partner with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights to support decision-making
Support strategic initiatives including acquisitions, integrations, cost optimization, and operational scaling
Act as a key liaison between finance and cross-functional teams, including HR, growth, contracts, and other finance functions