Head of Finance & Accounting

Are you a Head of Finance & Accounting looking to build an IPO-ready finance function at a scaling AI start-up?

Currently operating in stealth and incubated by a leading VC with a track record of launching category-defining AI businesses, the company is preparing to announce a landmark Series A raise alongside multiple top-tier investors. Founded by award-winning scientists and AI industry leaders, they are building a values-led leadership team to help drive several breakthrough technological advances with the potential to reshape entire industries.

Rapid Growth AI Start-Up (Post Series A)

Harmonic 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.

The Head of Finance and 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 months

Responsibilities:

• Own the development of exceptional financial modelling
• Establish Forecasting and Budgeting processes (FP&A)
• Work closely with the CEO as an Executive Business Partner
• Build KPI’s and analytics to make sense of complex data and present this to decision makers across the business
• Establish robust budgeting processes for AI research and product development
• Produce mid and long term strategic planning
• Implement scalable financial controls and processes
• Lead the setup of multiple international entities ensuring appropriate financial controls and compliance processes are established
• In due course insource the Controllership function and oversee month-end, day-to-day Accounting
• Liaise with Auditors to prepare the first audit
• Identify and build relationships with third party tax experts in international locations
• Liaise with and establish complex government contracts
• Produce monthly Board Reporting with detailed commentary
• Business Partner with multiple teams in the business to challenge numbers and bring improved performance
• Create dashboards and improve the accuracy of forecasting periodically
• Prepare the business for future funding rounds

What 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 skills
• Excellent communication skills
• High level of commercial acumen

What We’d Love to See (Non-Essential):

• Experience in a VC backed Tech start-up which has raised over $100m
• Experience dealing with government contracts
• Experience in R&D heavy environments
• Experienced leading international teams with multiple entities
• Experience establishing FP&A and Accounting processes simultaneously in a VC backed start-up (Ideally AI)

Salary: $300,000 to $350,000 + bonus + share options

Start Date: ASAP

Location: San Francisco Bay Area (Hybrid model and will consider exceptional remote first candidates)

If you are a finance leader seeking a pivotal role in a dynamic, inclusive, and purpose-driven organization, we invite you to reach out. To apply or to explore more about this exciting role, please contact Fin on

Feel free to share this remarkable opportunity with your network of friends and contacts who may be interested

At 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.

We d love to hear from you

Whether you re looking to partner with us on a role you re trying to fill, or you re looking for a new role for yourself, drop us a call or email today.

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