Board Director (Financial) - Independent Contractor at Rincon Research Corporation

About this role

Rincon Research Corporation (RRC) is a vibrant employee-owned organization that conceives, analyzes, designs, implements, and tests solutions for some of the most intriguing Government projects. As a small business headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, we have a history marked by steady growth in both revenue and customers. Our primary business is innovating, developing, and fielding digital signal processing (DSP) products and software solutions for the United States Defense and Intelligence Communities.
RRC seeks a board director to collaborate effectively with other board directors, leverage their expertise to help define our future, develop strategic goals, and enhance our corporate growth. This independent Director position requires an individual with strong business acumen, fiduciary mindset, and understanding of employee ownership structures to help guide our company's strategic direction, while protecting the interests of our employee-owners.
Key
Fiduciary Oversight

Serve as a fiduciary to both the company and the ESOP trust participants
Ensure board decisions balance operational excellence with long-term employee-owner interests
Oversee compliance with ERISA requirements and ESOP regulations

Strategic Governance

Appoint the CEO and other officers of the company as needed
Evaluate the effectiveness of the CEO
Participate in strategic planning and major business decisions
Provide independent oversight of management performance
Review and approve annual budgets, capital expenditures, and major transactions
Guide succession planning for key leadership positions

ESOP-Specific Duties

Ensure proper communication with employee-owners regarding company performance
Monitor ESOP plan administration and participant benefits
Evaluate potential transactions affecting employee ownership

Risk Management and Compliance

Assess and provide oversight of enterprise risk management framework
Ensure adequate internal controls and audit processes
Review compliance with debt covenants and banking relationships
Monitor legal and regulatory compliance across all business areas

Board Operations

Attend regular board meetings (typically 10 per year) and special meetings as needed; some will require travel
Serve on board committees as assigned
Review board materials in advance, and come prepared for productive discussions
Participate in annual board and director evaluations

Required Qualifications
Experience

Minimum of 10 years of senior financial leadership experience, such as serving as a CFO, Controller, or Chief Accounting Officer, or in a comparable role (e.g., partner at an accounting or audit firm)
Demonstrated depth in financial reporting, audit oversight, internal controls, and risk management
Top Secret Clearable—undergo a background check that covers your personal, financial, criminal, and employment history; US citizenship required

Knowledge and Skills

Strong understanding of corporate governance principles
Advanced financial skills, including accounting, cash flow management, and the ability to read, interpret, and critically evaluate financial statements
Knowledge of fiduciary under ERISA
Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities

Personal Attributes

Unquestioned integrity and ethical standards
Independent thinking and willingness to challenge management when appropriate
Collaborative working style with ability to build consensus
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Commitment to employee ownership philosophy

Independence Requirements
This position requires independence from company management and operations, including:

No current or former employment relationship with the company
No significant business relationships or transactions with the company
No family relationships with any employee or shareholder (current or former)
Ability to exercise independent judgment on all board matters

Preferred Qualifications

Previous service on a corporate board of directors
Experience with ESOP companies, employee ownership, or employee benefit plans
CPA, MBA, JD, or other relevant professional credentials
Experience in defense or intelligence contracting sector
Knowledge of employee benefits and retirement plan administration
Experience with private company governance and stakeholder management

Position Details

Location: the role can be executed from any US location, though travel to RRC sites will be required
Position type: consultant, with quarterly payments and reimbursement for expenses

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:

Current resume highlighting relevant board and executive experience
Cover letter addressing ESOP experience and interest in employee ownership
Professional references from previous board service or senior executive roles

Originally posted on Himalayas