Finance Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Location: Pacific Time Zone (SF Bay Area preferred; Remote PST)

ValidMind is a fast-growing B2B AI governance and model risk management company helping enterprises and regulators build trust in AI. We serve highly regulated industries - especially Financial Services - and are defining the emerging AI Governance and Risk Management category. As we scale internationally, disciplined financial execution, global compliance, and investor-grade financial leadership are critical to our success.

This role combines strategic finance leadership with hands-on global finance and accounting ownership. The Director / VP of Finance (acting as Head of Finance & Controller) will own ValidMind's finance function end-to-end: from day-to-day accounting execution and global compliance to Board, investor, and fundraising support.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a true builder + operator role. You will help shape company strategy, fundraising, and long-term financial planning-while also rolling up your sleeves to ensure clean closes, compliant global operations, and clear financial narratives.

This role is ideal for a senior finance leader with deep startup experience who wants high impact, visibility, and ownership at a category-defining company.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO on financial strategy, business model optimization, and growth planning.
• Own long-range financial planning, scenario modeling, runway management, and unit economics.
• Provide data-driven insights to support company strategy, pricing, and go-to-market decisions.

• Play a central role in fundraising (Series A and beyond)
• Leverage and expand an existing investor network (VCs, strategics, angels)
• Prepare and present investor- and Board-ready financial materials.
• Support diligence, strategic initiatives, and ongoing investor communications

• Own the global monthly, quarterly, and annual close across all entities and countries.
• Manage third-party accounting and bookkeeping partners (e.g., EisnerAmper).
• Prepare consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP.
• Manage local statutory reporting requirements across jurisdictions.
• Maintain rolling forecasts with P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.
• Present financial results, trends, risks, and compliance considerations to the Board and investors

• Own global finance and accounting operations, including:
• Multi-country payroll processing, payroll accounting, and accruals
• Employee of Record/systems of record (e.g., Deel)
• Accounts receivable, billing, collections, and revenue tracking
• Accounts payable, vendor payments, and expense management
• General ledger ownership, reconciliations, and journal entries
• Accurate accounting for commissions, bonuses, benefits, and employee-related costs
• Establish practical finance and accounting policies that scale with the business

• Own compliance with local statutory, tax, payroll, and employment-related financial requirements
• Manage country-specific nuances (VAT/GST, payroll regulations, statutory filings)
• Coordinate with global accounting firms, payroll providers, tax advisors, and legal partners
• Proactively identify compliance risks and advise the CEO on mitigation strategies during international expansion

• Partner directly with the CEO on:
• Global payroll setup and administration
• Benefits and employee cost tracking by country
• Equity and stock-based compensation accounting across jurisdictions
• Headcount planning and workforce cost modeling
• Serve as financial owner of people-related processes until a formal HR function is established

• Lead technical accounting for:
• Revenue recognition (ASC 606)
• Equity and stock-based compensation
• Leases and cross-border transactions
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax providers, and accounting advisors
• Design internal controls that support global operations without unnecessary overhead
• Select and implement finance systems supporting multi-entity, multi-currency operations

• Build and lead a small, high-impact finance and accounting team over time
• Maintain a roll-up-your-sleeves culture with clear standards and accountability
• Act as a trusted partner to the executive team on financial, operational, and compliance matters

Who You Are & What Makes You Qualified:

• 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience
• Proven startup experience is critical, ideally scaling B2B SaaS/Cloud-native companies
• Experience in FP&A for Financial Services or other highly regulated industries
• Deep US GAAP expertise; strong B2B SaaS and ASC 606 experience
• Proven experience managing multi-country accounting, payroll, and compliance
• Experience partnering directly with a CEO, Board, and investors
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-moving, resource-constrained startup

Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA required

Highly Desired

• Prior experience as Director of Finance, VP of Finance, Head of Finance, or Controller at a startup
• Strong, credible investor network and fundraising experience (Series A / B)
• Experience supporting international expansion and entity setup
• Background in fintech, regtech, AI, risk, or enterprise software

• Based in the Pacific Time Zone
• SF Bay Area strongly preferred for proximity to the CEO, investors, and partners
• Remote acceptable within PST with flexibility for executive and investor meetings
• High-ownership, low-ego, startup-first mindset

• Clean, timely global closes with no compliance surprises
• Clear, trusted financial reporting for the CEO, Board, and investors
• Smooth payroll and accounting operations across all countries
• Scalable finance systems and controls that grow with the business
• Finance is viewed as both a strategic partner and a reliable operator

• Work directly with the CEO on shaping the company's strategy and fundraising
• Play a key role in defining a new market category (AI Governance and Risk Management)
• High-impact leadership role at a critical growth stage
• Opportunity to build a world-class finance function from the ground up
• Competitive compensation with meaningful equity upside

At ValidMind, we create the most efficient solution for organizations to automate testing, documentation, and risk management for AI and statistical models. Working here means being at the forefront of AI risk management, but it's also more personal than that: we promote an inclusive culture where we value your ideas and creativity. We want you to have a sense of ownership over your work, to build mutual trust with your peers, and to feel supported in everything you do. As a VC-backed company in the early stages of growth, there is ample room to grow.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

ValidMind is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.