Director of Finance, FP&A

Join to apply for the Director of Finance, FP&A role at Clockwork Systems, Inc.

Clockwork Systems was founded by Stanford researchers and veteran systems engineers who share a vision for redefining the foundations of distributed computing. As AI workloads grow increasingly complex, traditional infrastructure struggles to meet the demands of performance, reliability, and precise coordination. Clockwork is pioneering a software‑driven approach to AI networking, delivering deterministic time, ultra‑low latency, and seamless scalability for modern distributed systems.

To learn more, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

About the Role

We are looking for a hands‑on, strategic, and ambitious Director of Finance to serve as our first dedicated finance leadership hire, reporting to the CEO. This is a unique opportunity for a "player‑coach". Initially, you will operate as a high‑level individual contributor, owning the entire finance stack from the ground up — from closing the books to presenting at board meetings and serving as a strategic business partner to the executive team.

As the company grows, you will be responsible for hiring and grooming a high‑performing finance and accounting team.

What You’ll Do

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Own the Financial Model:
Build and maintain the company’s operating model, including long‑term forecasts, cash‑flow analysis, and scenario planning (best case/worst case).

• Budgeting:
Lead the annual budgeting process and monthly rolling forecasts; partner with department heads to track variance and manage burn rate effectively.

• SaaS Metrics:
Define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as ARR, NRR, CAC, LTV, and churn to drive decision‑making.

Accounting & Controllership (Hands‑On)

• Close the Books:
Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process. Ensure financial statements are accurate, timely, and compliant with GAAP.

• Operations:
Manage day‑to‑day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and treasury management.

• Tech Stack:
Optimize and manage our financial systems (e.g., Quick Books/Net Suite, , Expensify) and lead future ERP implementations.

Revenue Operations & Legal

• Deal Desk:
Partner with sales leadership to review and approve sales contracts, ensuring favorable commercial terms and compliance with revenue recognition standards (ASC 606).

• Legal Liaison:
Serve as the primary interface with outside counsel regarding corporate governance, contract reviews, and IP matters.

• Cap Table Management:
Administer the company’s equity plan (Carta) and manage stock option grants.

Strategic Leadership & Investor Relations

• Board Reporting:
Prepare comprehensive board decks and financial updates; present financial results and strategic insights during board meetings.

• Fundraising Support:
Play a key role in future fundraising rounds, including due diligence preparation and data‑room management.

• Executive Partnering:
Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and leadership team, providing data‑driven insights to support product pricing, headcount planning, and expansion strategies.

What We’re Looking For

• 7–10+ years of progressive finance experience, ideally with a mix of Big 4 public accounting and high‑growth technology startup experience.

• Previous experience at a startup (Series A to Series C stage) is highly preferred; you must be comfortable working in an unstructured environment where you have to build the processes yourself.

• Hands‑on accounting:
You must be willing to "roll up your sleeves" and do the work. You are not just overseeing the books; you are closing them until we hire a Controller/Accountant.

Technical Skills

• CPA or strong accounting background is strongly preferred, with knowledge of US GAAP and Revenue Recognition (ASC 606).

• Strong modeling skills. You should be able to build a three‑statement financial model from scratch.

• Systems savviness:
Proficiency with modern financial stacks (Quick Books Online, Net Suite, SaaS Optics, Carta, Salesforce).

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Scalability:
Demonstrated ability to start as an IC and the leadership potential to build and manage a team as the company…