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