Director of Finance & Operations

We are seeking an experienced, highly analytical finance and operations leader to serve as Director of Finance & Business Operations for our growing stealth biotech. This role is the senior-most owner of finance and business operations, partnering closely with the CEO and leadership team to ensure financial discipline, operational clarity, and scalable infrastructure.

Sitting at the intersection of financial planning, operational execution, and strategic partnership, this role owns FP&A (near-term budgeting and long-range forecasting), oversees core business operations and external partners, and supports governance, fundraising, and corporate readiness. You will be the connective tissue across scientific, operational, and corporate functions — translating plans into financial implications and building processes that allow the company to scale thoughtfully and efficiently.

This is a rare opportunity to shape how a biotech company operates at its foundation.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Own annual and quarterly budgeting cycles, including development, consolidation, cross-functional alignment, and Board reporting
• Lead reporting on Budget vs. Actuals, spending variance analysis, and financial insights for leadership and the Board
• Build and maintain long-range financial forecasts (>1 year), including cash runway modeling and scenario planning
• Partner proactively with R&D and functional leaders to translate scientific and operational plans into accurate financial projections
• Prepare financial materials for Board meetings, investor updates, and strategic discussions

Corporate Finance, Valuation & Fundraising Support

• Develop and maintain financial models to support fundraising, strategic planning, and corporate development initiatives
• Oversee valuation models, including 409A valuations
• Own cap table accuracy, option pool planning, and equity forecasting in partnership with legal counsel
• Support fundraising processes, including investor diligence, data room preparation, and financial requests

Management of External Finance & HR Partners

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external finance and HR partners, overseeing:
• Accounting and month-end close processes
• Payroll operations (Rippling)
• Equity administration (Carta)
• Benefits, 401(k), and total rewards administration (Newfront)
• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant execution of all outsourced finance and HR functions
• Continuously refine processes and controls to scale with company growth

Legal, IP & Governance Coordination

• Act as the operational liaison to corporate counsel, supporting governance, compliance documentation, and corporate records
• Coordinate with IP and patent counsel to track filings, budgets, and key deadlines
• Support Board and compensation committee processes, including materials preparation and documentation

People, Compensation & Headcount Planning

• Partner with HR and leadership on offer letters, compensation analyses, and compensation committee preparation
• Own headcount modeling, compensation forecasting, and total rewards budgeting
• Maintain alignment across HR systems, equity records, and financial documentation

Accounts Payable, Purchasing & Spend Controls

• Own spend oversight and approval workflows, ensuring budget alignment, proper coding, and internal controls
• Oversee invoice approvals, purchasing workflows, and T&E processes to ensure policy compliance and spend visibility
• Partner with scientific teams to support purchasing of lab consumables while maintaining financial discipline

What You Bring

• 10 years of experience in FP&A, strategic finance, or business operations; biotech or life sciences experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling in early-stage or high-growth environments
• Comfort operating across strategic finance (Board prep, fundraising, valuation) and hands-on execution (systems, vendors, controls)
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with R&D, legal, HR, and external service providers
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and bring structure to evolving processes

Working Style

• Proactive, anticipatory partner who surfaces insights early
• Detail-oriented while maintaining a strong strategic perspective
• Collaborative, trusted presence across scientific and corporate teams
• Low-ego, ownership-driven, and energized by building from the ground up