Vice President Finance

Please note it is preferred that applicants reside in the Washington D.C. or New York City Metro areas

About Alethea

Founded in 2019, Alethea is a tech company that detects and mitigates instances of disinformation and social media manipulation to help clients navigate the new digital reality. We protect clients from the threat of disinformation that targets brands, reputations, employee safety, or financial bottom lines through our industry-leading investigation and remediation services. 

Position Summary 

The Vice President of Finance is a member of the leadership team responsible for managing and optimizing the company's financial performance. They will work closely with the CEO and COO, investors, leadership team, and other stakeholders to drive the company's financial strategy and ensure its long-term success by managing financial risks and ensuring financial stability.

The successful candidate will have experience with fundraising, preparing for and managing a liquidity event, as well as significant cross functional partnership at the leadership level.

Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy: Develop, communicate, and execute the company's financial strategy to support growth and profitability.
• Fundraising: Lead fundraising activities, as well as M&A efforts, including due diligence, valuation, and negotiation.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process, including revenue projections, expense planning, and financial modeling. Provide regular financial forecasts to guide decision-making. Develop and manage COGs and customer pricing models.
• Financial Reporting: Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to investors, board members, and other stakeholders. Maintain transparency in financial performance.
• Investor Relations: Manage relationships with existing and potential investors. Provide financial updates and information to secure funding and support the company's financial objectives.
• Cash Management: Monitor and manage cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to meet the company's operational needs.
• Financial Operations: Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial systems.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and tax requirements.
• Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing finance team, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the executive team to align financial strategy with overall corporate goals.
• Cost Management: Continuously analyze and optimize costs to improve efficiency and profitability
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks, including currency fluctuations, market volatility, and compliance issues.

Skills & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. An MBA or CPA is often preferred.
• Experience: 10 years experience in finance and accounting, including senior management roles. Fundraising and liquidity event experience is essential.
• Growth: Proven experience in a high-growth startup or scale-up environment.
• Analytics: Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Communication: Exceptional communication and presentation skills for interactions with investors and stakeholders.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership and team management skills including ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strategic Ability: Strategic thinking and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Problem Solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to a dynamic business environment.
• EQ: High EQ with ability to anticipate needs and proactively work toward solutions.
• Integrity: Unquestionable integrity and proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Growth Mindset: Flexible attitude with a growth mindset and the ability to rapidly action feedback. Comfortable with a fast-paced start-up environment that involves regular iteration.
• Curiosity and Drive: Independent thinker with an insatiable curiosity and unstoppable drive to succeed.

Compensation and Benefits 

• Salary and stock options are negotiated based on experience. 
• Healthcare at the gold-tier level, dental, and vision is fully funded by the employer. 50% of dependent coverage is provided by the employer.
• Unlimited vacation, sick leave, including office closure between Christmas and New Year’s, and extended holidays at Thanksgiving and the 4th of July.
• Employer sponsored 401k with a 3% match.
• Hybrid work environment, with 3 days per week required in office in Washington, D.C or New York.

Alethea is an equal opportunity employer that encourages people of all backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, abilities, and sexual orientations to apply. We are committed to being an inclusive place to work, while maintaining a workforce that represents the communities we serve.