Head of Finance - Rapid Growth AI Start-Up (Post $500m+...

Head of Finance - Rapid Growth AI Start-Up (Post $500m+ Series A) | Bay AreaHead of Finance - Rapid Growth AI Start-Up (Post $500m+ Series A) | Bay AreaGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Harmonic Finance Inc | Certified B Corp provided pay rangeThis range is provided by Harmonic Finance Inc | Certified B Corp. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.Base pay range$300,000.00/yr - $350,000.00/yrDirect message the job poster from Harmonic Finance Inc | Certified B CorpCo-Founder at Harmonic Talent Group | Finance & Ops Recruitment for Start-Up & Scale-UpsHead of Finance | Rapid Growth AI Start-Up (Post Series A) | Bay AreaThe ClientHarmonic are proud to have been retained by a rapidly growing VC Backed AI start-up revolutionizing mankind’s understanding of the physical sciences. With the ability to take massive leaps forward in our interpretation of the laws which underpin physics, the business has applications impacting space exploration, climate and green energy, advanced computing, robotics, defense and global food supply chain.They are currently in stealth mode and incubated by a major VC player with a track record in the last 3 years of launching some of the fastest growing and transformative AI businesses in their respective fields. They are going to announce one of the largest Series A fundraises in start-up history (up to $1 billion) with multiple top tier VC backers that are working together on similar ventures.Our client has a genuinely values led culture with an incredibly bright leadership team. Founded by award winning scientists and AI industry leaders they are now building out their leadership team. This is much more than an opportunity to join an AI business but a chance to be at the forefront of multiple technological leaps which can change the shape of human history!The Role:The Head of Finance & Accounting will own the build out of the FP&A, Strategic Finance and Controllership functions. Taking responsibility for the development of financial modelling, strategic planning and insightful analysis, the Head of Finance & Accounting will be key in driving improved understanding and performance while establishing best in class Controls to an ‘IPO ready’ standard.Additionally, the position offers significant exposure and the opportunity to build relationships with the CEO and wider Exec team making recommendations that will deliver growth.This position really is a true blank slate as the business is set to scale from under 20 to close 200 heads in 12 monthsResponsibilities:Own the development of exceptional financial modellingEstablish Forecasting and Budgeting processes (FP&A)Work closely with the CEO as an Executive Business PartnerBuild KPI’s and analytics to make sense of complex data and present this to decision makers across the businessEstablish robust budgeting processes for AI research and product developmentProduce mid and long term strategic planningImplement scalable financial controls and processesLead the setup of multiple international entities ensuring appropriate financial controls and compliance processes are establishedIn due course insource the Controllership function and oversee month-end, day-to-day AccountingLiaise with Auditors to prepare the first auditIdentify and build relationships with third party tax experts in international locationsImplement scalable ERP systemLiaise with and establish complex government contractsProduce monthly Board Reporting with detailed commentaryBusiness Partner with multiple teams in the business to challenge numbers and bring improved performanceCreate dashboards and improve the accuracy of forecasting periodicallyPrepare the business for future funding roundsWhat We Need:Background in Investment banking, experience working in VC/PE firms or Corporate Finance/ M&A advisory experience OR relevant industry experience in a rapid growth Tech start-up (this can include AI, Deeptech, AI, Robotics, Defense, Biotech, Climate Tech and Green Energy, SaaS, Fintech)Ideally a qualified CPA (or has overseen and managed Controllership functions in a fast growth environment which has required being truly hands-on)Exceptional financial modelling skillsHigh level of commercial acumenWhat We’d Love to See (Non-Essential):Experience in a VC backed Tech start-up which has raised over $100mExperience dealing with government contractsExperience in R&D heavy environmentsExperienced leading international teams with multiple entitiesExperience establishing FP&A and Accounting processes simultaneously in a VC backed start-up (Ideally AI)Salary: $300,000 to $350,000 + bonus + share optionsStart Date: ASAPLocation: San Francisco Bay Area (Hybrid model and will consider exceptional remote first candidates)To apply or to explore more about this exciting role, please contact Fin on free to share this remarkable opportunity with your network of friends and contacts who may be interestedAt Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.Seniority levelSeniority levelExecutiveEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionFinance and Accounting/AuditingIndustriesTechnology, Information and Media, Biotechnology Research, and Space Research and TechnologyReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Harmonic Finance Inc | Certified B Corp by 2xInferred from the description for this jobMedical insuranceVision insurance401(k)Paid maternity leavePaid paternity leaveGet notified about new Head of Finance jobs in San Francisco Bay Area.San Francisco, CA $304,000.00-$320,000.00 2 weeks agoHead of Finance (Full-time or Fractional)San Francisco Bay Area $236,000.00-$280,000.00 3 weeks agoSenior VP Finance & Chief Accounting OfficerCampbell, CA $300,000.00-$375,000.00 1 month agoSan Mateo, CA $237,700.00-$341,665.00 1 week agoOakland, CA $190,000.00-$250,000.00 3 weeks agoPalo Alto, CA $279,990.00-$311,100.00 1 month agoOakland, CA $220,000.00-$270,000.00 5 days agoVice President, Finance Operations and AccountingSan Mateo, CA $284,835.00-$335,100.00 1 week agoSan Jose, CA $261,800.00-$315,000.00 3 weeks agoSan Francisco, CA $170,000.00-$250,000.00 3 weeks agoSan Francisco, CA $200,000.00-$225,000.00 6 days agoDirector, Strategic Finance & Chief of StaffSan Francisco, CA $300,000.00-$350,000.00 2 weeks agoPalo Alto, CA $130,000.00-$175,000.00 1 month agoSan Francisco, CA $220,000.00-$260,000.00 2 months agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Created: 2025-09-17