Head of Finance – SkillsWave

As the Head of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in managing the financial operations of our organization as our 1st Finance team member. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of accounting, payroll, invoicing, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across the board. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment as we are a scale-up organization. This individual will be a highly motivated leader / doer who will start as an individual contributor, and grow a team as the business grows.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Management: Spearhead the development and execution of financial strategies, policies, and procedures to support organizational goals and objectives.
• Accounting Oversight: Manage day-to-day accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, and reconciliation.
• Payroll Administration: Oversee payroll processing, including salary calculations, tax withholdings, benefits administration, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Invoicing and Billing: Ensure accurate and timely invoicing of customers, tracking of receivables, and follow-up on outstanding payments.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, variance analysis, and other reports for management review and decision-making.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Compliance and Audit: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, accounting standards, and internal controls, and coordinate external audits as needed.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, and efficiency enhancements within the finance function.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and develop junior finance team members (as the teams grow, this is currently an individual leader / doer position), fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, and reporting standards.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to drive decision-making.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to accuracy and precision in financial record-keeping and reporting.
• Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Proactive problem-solver with the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, deadlines, and business needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Integrity and Ethics: Commitment to upholding ethical standards, confidentiality, and integrity in financial practices and decision-making.

Work Experience Recommendations:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in finance or accounting roles, preferably in the technology or education sector.
• Proficiency in financial management software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, NetSuite) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience with payroll processing systems and familiarity with HR processes and regulations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
• Pro-active, positive, can-do disposition, with evidence of the ability to support growing teams with integrity and flexibility.

Education Recommendations:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• CPA or equivalent certification preferred.