Strategic Finance Lead; Founding

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Strategic Finance Lead (Founding) based in the United States.

• Financial Planning & Modeling:
  Develop, maintain and own the company's financial model, budgets, forecasts and scenario analyses, connecting financial performance to key commercial and operational drivers.
• Strategic Business Partnership:
  Work closely with the CEO and functional leaders to evaluate growth opportunities, investment priorities, pricing strategies, unit economics and operational performance.
• Business Performance & Reporting:
  Establish consistent financial reporting frameworks, KPIs and performance analyses, providing leadership with clear visibility into business results, risks and opportunities.
• Financial Insights & Decision Support:
  Translate financial and operational data into actionable recommendations that support strategic planning, resource allocation, business expansion and profitability.
• Finance Operations Management:
  Oversee the company's financial operations, including accounting coordination, financial close processes, cash management, tax planning and regulatory compliance.
• External Partner Management:
  Manage relationships with outsourced bookkeeping, accounting and tax providers, ensuring accurate, timely and reliable financial deliverables.
• Finance Function Development:
  Build and implement the financial processes, systems, tools, reporting structures and internal controls required to support the organization's growth.
• Operational Scalability:
  Determine which finance activities should be managed internally or outsourced, and develop an effective operating model as the business expands.
• Leadership
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Act as a trusted financial advisor to executive leadership and cross-functional teams, helping reduce founder dependency and strengthen financial decision-making.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Identify opportunities to improve financial visibility, operational efficiency and financial processes while adapting the finance function to evolving business needs.

• At least 6 years of professional experience in FP&A, strategic finance or a closely related operational finance role, with significant ownership of financial modeling and forecasting.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with business leaders and using financial insights to influence strategic, commercial and operational decisions.
• Strong financial modeling and analytical capabilities, including the ability to connect financial outcomes with underlying business drivers and operational metrics.
• Previous experience in a high-growth technology company, preferably within an organization where financial systems, reporting structures and processes were still being established.
• A builder's mindset, with the motivation and ability to take broad ownership of an entire finance function rather than focusing on a single specialized area.
• Solid understanding of accounting and financial operations, including financial reporting, month-end close, cash management, tax coordination and financial controls.
• Experience managing external accounting, bookkeeping and tax providers and ensuring that financial obligations are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• A hands‑on approach to problem‑solving, with the ability to work directly with financial data, build models, manage processes and operate independently without relying on a large team.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to identify growth opportunities, evaluate investment decisions and support resource allocation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly and make complex…