VP of Finance and Strategic Operations

Sentient; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading AI organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a VP of Finance and Strategic Operations to join their leadership team. This role involves strategic financial planning, overseeing financial operations, and evaluating new initiatives across the organization. The ideal candidate should have 5-8 years of relevant experience and advanced financial modeling skills, alongside a deep understanding of blockchain and AI. The position offers the opportunity to shape the financial direction and operations of the company.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in investment banking, strategic finance, corporate development, venture finance, or startup operations.
• Advanced financial modeling skills (Excel/Google Sheets proficiency required).
• Deep understanding of financial systems including tokenomics and treasury management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage financial models for partnerships and AI product initiatives.
• Analyze KPIs and recommend optimizations for ecosystem growth.
• Lead annual budgeting and cash flow management.
• Partner on entity structuring and payment processes.
• Evaluate financial viability of AI and blockchain initiatives.

Skills

Investment banking experience

Advanced financial modeling

Understanding of blockchain and AI

Risk analysis

Exceptional communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or Business

Advanced degree or CFA designation

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

About Sentient
We are building an open-source platform for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) that empowers developers, creators, and communities to build, align, and own Loyal AI. Backed by Founders Fund, Pantera, and Framework, Sentient is at the forefront of enabling open-source AI.

Role Overview

We are seeking a VP of Finance and Strategic Operations to join our leadership team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in scaling Sentient’s operations and shaping the financial and strategic direction of the company. Reporting directly to one of the co-founders, you will work cross-functionally with leadership across product, business development, and operations to evaluate new initiatives, manage financial planning, and ensure seamless execution across our global organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance

• Build and manage financial models for commercial partnerships, token economics, and new AI product initiatives.
• Prepare internal memos, board materials, and analyses to support strategic decision-making.
• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and recommend optimizations to drive ecosystem growth and sustainability.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Oversee outsourced accounting functions and maintain dynamic financial forecast models.
• Lead annual budgeting, cash flow management, and treasury operations across multi-signature wallets, on-chain accounts, and off-chain entities.
• Provide insights and reporting to leadership and investors on financial performance and projections.

Operations & Foundation Support

• Partner on entity structuring, capital flows, and payment processes with ecosystem partners.
• Manage fund disbursements, grants programs, and governance protocols for the Sentient Foundation.
• Identify and implement improvements to financial and operational systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and compliance.

Risk & Viability Assessment

• Evaluate the financial viability and commercial risks of AI and blockchain initiatives.
• Develop pricing strategies, deal structures, and ecosystem economic models to support long-term growth.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as a bridge between Finance, Product, Business Operations, and Go-to-Market teams.
• Solve complex cross-functional challenges and drive measurable outcomes that align with Sentient’s mission and strategic roadmap.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in investment banking, strategic finance, corporate development, venture finance, or startup operations.
• Advanced financial modeling skills (Excel/Google Sheets proficiency required; familiarity with Python or data tools a plus).
• Deep understanding of blockchain, AI, and financial systems — including tokenomics, treasury management, and risk analysis.
• Proven ability to navigate novel, cross-functional challenges and deliver results in fast-paced, lean environments.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to balance tactical execution with strategic insight.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a quantitative field; advanced degree or CFA designation preferred.