Finance Lead (Contract to Hire

Position Summary

We are looking for a mission‑ and culturally‑aligned finance leader to cover our Controller’s planned leave of absence and own Astera’s finance function end‑to‑end during that period. This is a contract role with a defined term running from September 2026 through June 2027. Depending on our needs and how the engagement goes, this role has the potential to convert to a permanent role owning FP&A and finance operations.

The engagement will start ahead of the leave to allow for a substantial overlap and handoff with the Controller. During the coverage period, you’ll own accounting, treasury, compliance, and FP&A, with one direct report (an Accounting Manager). This role reports to the COO of the Foundation Division.

• Lead FP&A:
  Partner with budget leads and Astera leadership on financial analysis, including budget‑to‑actuals reporting and deep‑dive analyses.
• Drive Financial Operations:
  Manage agreements and payments across vendors, payroll, grants, and investments. Work directly in Ramp, our spend management platform, to ensure data accuracy. Establish and revise program budgets and grants.
• Lead Financial Reporting and Compliance:
  Oversee the preparation of accurate, timely financial statements and ensure successful completion of taxes and annual audits by managing relationships with accounting, audit, and tax partners.
• Oversee the Balance Sheet and Treasury:
  Collaborate with internal and external partners to monitor and report on Astera’s investment portfolio, supporting informed decision‑making and risk management.
• Continuously improve financial systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Teach and learn from others to professionalise the finance team.
• Flex to emerging needs across the finance and operations stack.

• 8‑12 years of experience in financial management and strategic finance, preferably in startups.
• Motivated by enabling science that could reshape the future.
• Exceptional relationship orientation and verbal + written communication.
• Gives and receives feedback well.
• Comfortable operating outside a fixed job description and thriving in a startup‑like environment.
• Eagerness to use AI and new technology as an opportunity to improve effectiveness.
• Bias to action and experimentation.
• Commitment to high standards, ownership, and tenacious problem solving.

This role is based at our Emeryville, CA office 5 days per week.