Director, Chief of Staff (Controllership)

As the Director, Chief of Staff at Axon, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Chief Accounting Officer. Your responsibilities will include driving strategic initiatives, facilitating decision-making processes, preparing executive-level reports, and leading financial transformation projects. You will also ensure efficient operations by collaborating with cross-functional teams and monitoring key performance indicators.

Candidates for the Director, Chief of Staff role at Axon should have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years’ experience in finance, accounting, or operations is required, alongside strong project management, analytical, and communication skills. Experience in FP&A, consulting, or M&A roles is highly desirable.

The Director, Chief of Staff at Axon directly supports the CAO by leading special projects focused on transforming financial operations. This involves analyzing data for strategic recommendations, ensuring alignment in department goals, and improving cross-functional processes for efficiency. Your role is pivotal in navigating financial challenges and driving changes that align with Axon's mission.

At Axon, the work culture is fast-paced, inclusive, and driven by a mission to protect life. As a Director, Chief of Staff, you'll be part of a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and engagement is encouraged. You'll have opportunities for professional development and be involved in creating a culture that fosters communication and team building across the organization.

As the Director, Chief of Staff at Axon, you can expect a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes a 401k with an employer match, discretionary paid time off, medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as opportunities for fitness and mental wellness support. Your well-being is a priority, and we strive to create a supportive work environment.

In answering this question, highlight specific instances where you provided strategic insights or led projects for senior leaders. Discuss how your contributions helped achieve departmental goals, showcasing your ability to facilitate communication and drive decision-making.

Detail a project that showcases your leadership skills and strategic thinking. Explain the objectives, your role, the actions you took, and the measurable results it produced for the organization. Emphasize how it demonstrates your ability to analyze data and manage multiple priorities.

Discuss a framework or strategy you use for prioritization, such as assessing impact versus urgency. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed tight deadlines and multiple tasks, emphasizing your organizational skills and resourcefulness.

Elaborate on your approach for simplifying complex concepts—perhaps by using visual aids or clear, concise language. Provide an example of when this skill was particularly effective in ensuring buy-in or understanding from a senior leader or cross-functional team.

Mention specific initiatives you’ve implemented or participated in that promote teamwork and engagement, such as team-building activities, open communication practices, or recognition programs. Highlight your commitment to building a positive culture within your team.

Explain how you leverage data analysis when making decisions. Provide examples of how this has informed your strategic recommendations in previous roles, emphasizing your ability to draw actionable insights from data to support organizational goals.

Provide a compelling story about a time you led a financial transformation effort, detailing the challenges faced, the processes implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Emphasize your leadership role and how you navigated resistance to change.

Discuss your approach to compliance and accuracy, including how you monitor processes, implement controls, and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements. Highlight any relevant experiences where your efforts resulted in improved compliance.

Outline the project management methodologies you are adept in, like Agile or Lean, and how you've applied them to successful projects. Discuss tools you use for tracking and managing deadlines, tasks, and team dependencies.

Reflect on your alignment with Axon’s mission and values, and share how your skills and experiences uniquely position you to contribute to the organization. Point out what excites you about the prospect of working in a fast-paced environment focused on meaningful change.