VP, Finance

VP of Finance Location: Pacific Time Zone (SF Bay Area preferred; Remote PST) About ValidMindValidMind 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.Role OverviewThis 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.Who You'll Be Doing & Your Impact: Strategic Finance & CEO PartnershipAct 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.Fundraising & Investor RelationsPlay 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 communicationsGlobal Close, Reporting & Board CommunicationOwn 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 investorsCore Finance & Accounting Operations (Hands-On)Own global finance and accounting operations, including:Multi-country payroll processing, payroll accounting, and accrualsEmployee of Record/systems of record (e.g., Deel)Accounts receivable, billing, collections, and revenue trackingAccounts payable, vendor payments, and expense managementGeneral ledger ownership, reconciliations, and journal entriesAccurate accounting for commissions, bonuses, benefits, and employee-related costsEstablish practical finance and accounting policies that scale with the businessGlobal Compliance, Regulations & Risk ManagementOwn compliance with local statutory, tax, payroll, and employment-related financial requirementsManage country-specific nuances (VAT/GST, payroll regulations, statutory filings)Coordinate with global accounting firms, payroll providers, tax advisors, and legal partnersProactively identify compliance risks and advise the CEO on mitigation strategies during international expansionPeople, Payroll & HR-Adjacent Finance (Startup Reality)Partner directly with the CEO on:Global payroll setup and administrationBenefits and employee cost tracking by countryEquity and stock-based compensation accounting across jurisdictionsHeadcount planning and workforce cost modelingServe as financial owner of people-related processes until a formal HR function is establishedTechnical Accounting, Controls & SystemsLead technical accounting for:Revenue recognition (ASC 606)Equity and stock-based compensationLeases and cross-border transactionsManage relationships with external auditors, tax providers, and accounting advisorsDesign internal controls that support global operations without unnecessary overheadSelect and implement finance systems supporting multi-entity, multi-currency operationsLeadership & Team BuildingBuild and lead a small, high-impact finance and accounting team over timeMaintain a roll-up-your-sleeves culture with clear standards and accountabilityAct as a trusted partner to the executive team on financial, operational, and compliance mattersWho You Are & What Makes You Qualified:10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experienceProven startup experience is critical, ideally scaling B2B SaaS/Cloud-native companiesExperience in FP&A for Financial Services or other highly regulated industriesDeep US GAAP expertise; strong B2B SaaS and ASC 606 experienceProven experience managing multi-country accounting, payroll, and complianceExperience partnering directly with a CEO, Board, and investorsAbility to operate independently in a fast-moving, resource-constrained startupCredentialsBachelor's degree in Accounting or FinanceCPA requiredHighly DesiredPrior experience as Director of Finance, VP of Finance, Head of Finance, or Controller at a startupStrong, credible investor network and fundraising experience (Series A / B)Experience supporting international expansion and entity setupBackground in fintech, regtech, AI, risk, or enterprise softwareLocation & Work StyleBased in the Pacific Time ZoneSF Bay Area strongly preferred for proximity to the CEO, investors, and partnersRemote acceptable within PST with flexibility for executive and investor meetingsHigh-ownership, low-ego, startup-first mindsetWhat Success Looks LikeClean, timely global closes with no compliance surprisesClear, trusted financial reporting for the CEO, Board, and investorsSmooth payroll and accounting operations across all countriesScalable finance systems and controls that grow with the businessFinance is viewed as both a strategic partner and a reliable operatorWhy Join ValidMind?Work directly with the CEO on shaping the company's strategy and fundraisingPlay a key role in defining a new market category (AI Governance and Risk Management)High-impact leadership role at a critical growth stageOpportunity to build a world-class finance function from the ground upCompetitive compensation with meaningful equity upsideAt 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) StatementValidMind 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.

Created: 2026-04-02