Technologist Lead

About Wiss:
Wiss is a regional CPA and advisory firm that's been deeply embedded in the Northern NJ community for over 50 years. We serve small to mid‑market clients across Tax, Assurance, Advisory, and Wealth Management – with a focus on relationships, not transactions.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a forward‑looking leader who bridges technology, finance, and innovation. This role will identify, evaluate, and pilot AI‑driven solutions and fintech startups that can transform accounting, finance, and advisory operations. The ideal candidate combines a deep understanding of AI, automation, and financial workflows with a strong sense for emerging startups and venture ecosystems. They will help the firm engage high‑potential companies, run internal pilots, provide structured feedback, and position the firm as both a strategic investor and innovation partner.

LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. This policy applies equally to applicants regardless of national origin.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Startup Discovery & Evaluation

• Continuously scan the market for emerging AI, fintech, and automation startups relevant to accounting, FP&A, and finance operations.
• Evaluate technology, product maturity, business model, and potential ROI for the firm and its clients.
• Maintain relationships with startup ecosystems (Y Combinator, a16z, Fin Tech Sandbox, etc.) and act as a liaison to founders and investors.
• Identify opportunities for investment, partnership, or co‑development.

2. Pilot Design & Execution

• Lead small‑scale internal pilots with selected startups to test product fit, automation potential, and workflow impact.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Finance Transformation, IT, Advisory, and Operations) to execute and measure pilots.
• Collect data, assess adoption, and deliver actionable feedback to both internal leadership and external founders.

3. AI & Technology Strategy

• Stay ahead of trends in AI, LLMs, automation, and digital finance tools.
• Evaluate how new technologies (e.g., copilots, agents, AI audit tools, autonomous FP&A) can be safely adopted across firm services.
• Build frameworks for assessing emerging tools – ROI, compliance, data security, and change management implications.

4. Strategic Partnerships & Growth

• Identify strategic partnerships that extend the firm’s technology ecosystem.
• Support venture or co‑investment discussions, including due diligence and valuation input.
• Represent the firm in innovation forums, accelerator programs, and industry events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science Finance, Accounting, or a related field – experience is more important to us than degree field.
• Experience ideally at the intersection of finance, technology, and venture innovation.
• Strong understanding of accounting and finance operations.
• Proven ability to evaluate and implement emerging technologies, ideally in AI, data analytics, or fintech.
• Familiarity with AI/LLM applications, model architectures, and enterprise adoption patterns.
• Experience conducting product evaluations or pilots and translating technical findings into business insights.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills – comfortable engaging founders, executives, and technical teams alike.
• Entrepreneurial mindset – curiosity, experimentation, and bias for action.

Key Outcomes (First 12 Months):

• Establish a structured pipeline of vetted AI/fintech startups aligned with firm priorities.
• Launch multiple pilots that demonstrate measurable efficiency or insight gains.
• Create a repeatable evaluation framework for AI tools and startups.
• Strengthen the firm’s presence in the AI innovation ecosystem through partnerships or thought leadership.

Compensation
:
Target salary commensurate with the level of experience + discretionary bonus and comprehensive benefits including 401(k).

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. This policy applies equally to applicants regardless of national origin.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

To all staffing agencies:
Wiss does not utilize 3rd party firms for any internal or client positions. Please be advised, Wiss is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. All unsolicited resumes will become the property of Wiss.