Finance & Operations Lead (AI)

TL;DR

Finance & Operations Lead (AI): Managing strategic finance, accounting, and corporate development for an AI research lab with an accent on financial modeling, capital strategy, and M&A. Focus on building analytical frameworks, driving inorganic growth, and leveraging AI tools to optimize operational workflows.

Location: Based in the SF Bay Area (Mountain View) or willing to relocate to the USA; remote applicants will be considered, but the role requires working on-site a few days a week.

Salary: $220,000 - $285,000 + bonus + equity

Company

A product-oriented AI research lab developing real-time multimodal models and an orchestration platform for high-scale queries.

What you will do

• Own the financial model, annual planning, budgeting, and capital strategy of the company.
• Manage financial operations, including monthly close, audit, and tax in partnership with external firms.
• Lead fundraising workstreams and manage communications with the board and investors.
• Drive corporate development initiatives, including M&A and strategic partnerships.
• Partner with GTM teams on pricing, deal structuring, billing, and revenue operations.
• Utilize AI tools across all finance and operational workflows to maximize leverage.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in investment banking, PE, VC, corporate development, or top-tier management consulting.
• Strong foundation in accounting and controllership, with experience owning reporting and audits.
• Proven track record in transactional work, such as M&A, fundraising, or principal investing.
• Deep fluency with AI tools and a clear vision for their application in finance.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel/Sheets and PowerPoint/Slides.
• Ability to work on-site in Mountain View, CA, or relocate to the SF Bay Area.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with additional bonuses and equity.
• Opportunity to work at a top-tier AI startup recognized by CB Insights and LinkedIn.
• AI-native work environment encouraging the use of modern tooling to maximize efficiency.
• Comprehensive benefits package provided for full-time employees.