Finance & Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Institute of Foundation Models

We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.

As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the core of cutting-edge foundation model training, alongside world-class researchers, data scientists, and engineers, tackling the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI development. You will participate in the development of groundbreaking AI solutions that have the potential to reshape entire industries. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will be instrumental in establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire the next generation of AI pioneers.

• Act as the local focal point for finance-related administrative coordination at IFM Sunnyvale.

• Collect, review, organize, and track invoices, receipts, reimbursements, credit card bills, vendor records, and supporting documents.

• Ensure payment and expense documentation is complete before submission to HQ Finance or the relevant processing team.

• Coordinate with HQ Finance on data requests, approval follow-ups, payment status updates, and documentation requirements.

• Maintain accurate records and trackers for invoices, reimbursements, credit card bills, vendor payments, open commitments, and pending items.

• Support the tracking of IFM management credit card bills, receipts, assigned users, limits, and pending documentation.

• Follow up on missing receipts, unclear charges, incomplete approvals, and outstanding expense documentation.

• Support travel and out-of-pocket reimbursement documentation for IFM personnel.

• Coordinate reimbursement information with HQ Finance, HR, or the approved processing channel.

• Maintain an organized vendor master file, including W-9s, banking details, contact information, and required supporting documents.

• Support vendor onboarding and documentation follow-up with vendors and internal stakeholders.

• Maintain records of vendor contracts, agreements, renewals, and related financial commitments.

• Support purchase request follow-up, vendor communication, delivery coordination, and issue tracking where required.

• Maintain planned vs actual spend trackers, open commitment logs, and expected payment summaries.

• Support financial visibility by tracking upcoming bills, known obligations, and pending payment-related matters.

• Flag variances, delays, missing information, or unusual items for IFM management and HQ Finance review.

• Prepare simple financial summaries and tracker updates when requested.

• Support banking or finance platform setup by coordinating required documentation with HQ Finance, external providers, and internal stakeholders.

• Assist in collecting and organizing documents such as EIN, incorporation records, banking forms, and other required information where applicable.

• Maintain basic records for any approved petty cash or local payment support arrangements, where applicable.

• Provide general administrative support for the Sunnyvale office, including supplies, logistics, visitors, meetings, and local coordination.

• Help maintain clear filing structures, working procedures, and documentation standards as the operation matures.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, operations, or a related field.

• Equivalent hands-on experience in finance administration, bookkeeping support, office administration, or operational coordination may also be considered.

• Additional coursework or certifications in accounting, finance, business operations, or administration would be an advantage.

• 2 to 4 years of experience in finance administration, bookkeeping support, office administration, procurement support, vendor coordination, or operational support.

• Experience managing financial workflows and administrative support in a fast-paced business environment is preferred.

• Proven experience supporting invoice tracking, expense documentation, reimbursements, vendor records, credit card bills, contract records, and basic financial administration.

• Experience in a research lab, university, technology company, startup, or similarly fast-moving environment is a strong advantage.

• Experience coordinating with central finance, HR, procurement, legal, banking, or external vendors is preferred.

• Familiarity with manual process setup, tracker building, and evolving procedures is preferred.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

• Ability to maintain accurate trackers, logs, and simple financial summaries.

• Familiarity with invoices, receipts, reimbursements, credit card bills, vendor records, contract repositories, and payment documentation.

• Familiarity with banking platforms, expense tools, payroll systems, or accounting software is preferred.

• Comfortable using shared drives, digital folders, spreadsheets, and administrative systems.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to clean, complete, and reliable records.

• High integrity and discretion when handling confidential financial, vendor, banking, and management information.

• Practical, organized, and reliable, with strong follow-through.

• Comfortable following up on missing information, receipts, approvals, and vendor documents.

• Able to work independently in a developing operational environment.

• Clear communicator who can coordinate professionally with local teams, vendors, IFM management, HQ Finance, and central functions.

• Able to manage multiple administrative and financial coordination tasks without losing track of details.