VP, Finance

VP of Finance 

Location: Pacific Time Zone (SF Bay Area preferred; Remote PST)

About ValidMind

ValidMind 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 Overview

This 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 Partnership

• Act 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 Relations

• Play 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 communications

Global Close, Reporting & Board Communication

• Own 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 investors

Core Finance & Accounting Operations (Hands-On)

• Own global finance and accounting operations, including:
• Multi-country payroll processing, payroll accounting, and accruals
• Employee of Record/systems of record (e.g., Deel)
• Accounts receivable, billing, collections, and revenue tracking
• Accounts payable, vendor payments, and expense management
• General ledger ownership, reconciliations, and journal entries
• Accurate accounting for commissions, bonuses, benefits, and employee-related costs
• Establish practical finance and accounting policies that scale with the business

Global Compliance, Regulations & Risk Management

• Own compliance with local statutory, tax, payroll, and employment-related financial requirements
• Manage country-specific nuances (VAT/GST, payroll regulations, statutory filings)
• Coordinate with global accounting firms, payroll providers, tax advisors, and legal partners
• Proactively identify compliance risks and advise the CEO on mitigation strategies during international expansion

People, Payroll & HR-Adjacent Finance (Startup Reality)

• Partner directly with the CEO on:
• Global payroll setup and administration
• Benefits and employee cost tracking by country
• Equity and stock-based compensation accounting across jurisdictions
• Headcount planning and workforce cost modeling
• Serve as financial owner of people-related processes until a formal HR function is established

Technical Accounting, Controls & Systems

• Lead technical accounting for:
• Revenue recognition (ASC 606)
• Equity and stock-based compensation
• Leases and cross-border transactions
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax providers, and accounting advis