CAO Strategy and Operations Lead

Adobe; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 139,700 - 202,250; Full time

Job summary

A leading software company is seeking a Senior Strategy & Operations Lead in San Jose, California. The successful candidate will guide initiatives within the Corporate Accounting and Operations team, requiring 7-10 years of finance-related experience and strong project management skills. The role involves strategic planning, operational leadership, and fostering a collaborative team culture. Compensation ranges from $139,700 to $202,250 annually, depending on experience and location. This position offers significant growth and impact opportunities.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in Finance, Strategy or a related field.
• Experience in consulting or advisory, managing complex clients.
• Ability to communicate effectively at the executive level.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to CAO and her staff.
• Lead strategic organizational build efforts.
• Drive successful planning and execution of initiatives.

Skills

Finance experience

Leadership in complex projects

Writing and presentation skills

Creative problem-solving

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Job description

JOB LEVEL
P40
EMPLOYEE ROLE
Individual Contributor

Passionate about bringing clarity to complex work and helping teams do their best? We’re looking for a senior Strategy & Operations Lead excited to develop how Adobe's global Corporate Accounting and Operations runs. You will work closely with the Chief Accounting Officer’s chief of staff and leadership team to turn ideas into action. You’ll help guide CAO planning, lead culture changes, and keep the organization running efficiently and confidently. If you enjoy connecting people, simplifying chaos, and building momentum across teams, this role gives you the space to make a real impact.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CAO and her direct staff. Support decision-making by bringing clear insights, structure, and honest feedback.
• Lead strategic organizational build efforts by evaluating team structures, defining clear roles, and working with leadership to improve alignment and long-term efficiency.
• Drive or ensure successful planning and execution of key initiatives across the CAO organization and beyond, turning long-term goals into actionable plans.
• Help strengthen team culture, collaboration, and inclusion across the organization. Build relationships within the Finance organization and key partner groups across Adobe.
• Lead all aspects of daily operations for the CAO organization. This includes definition, planning, and execution, including but not limited to annual budget planning, operational reviews, staff meetings, executive presentations, people-manager sessions, ad hoc meetings, and events. you will partner closely with key team members.
• Develop communications and event strategies and content, act as a communicator linking leadership with teams across CAO, Finance, and cross-functional partners.
• Identify operational gaps and work with partners to optimize, improve processes, and increase efficiency at scale.
• Track goals, metrics, and performance across teams. Surface risks early and bring forward practical solutions.

What You Need to Succeed

• 7-10 years of experience in Finance, Strategy &, or a related field. Nice to have: Experience working in a professional services firm (consulting, advisory, or similar), with exposure to complex clients, structured problem-solving, and executive-level work.
• Strong experience leading complex, large-scale cross-functional projects and partnerships, often managing a range of internal and external collaborators.
• Clear and confident communicator with excellent writing and presentation skills with experience crafting and delivering communications at the executive level.
• Strong and creative problem-solver who brings new ideas and drives continuous improvement.
• A thoughtful, steady, and collaborative approach; able to work with a wide range of personalities.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced setting and ability to lead through ambiguity. Ability to work independently and integrate within a team.
• Comfortable in balancing multiple priorities with limited direction.
• Willingness to take on new tasks and support broader team needs as they arise.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this positionis $98,800 -- $202,250 annually. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.

In California, the pay range for this position is $139,700 - $202,250

At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans. Non-sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP).

In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.

State‑Specific Notices

California

Fair Chance Ordinances

Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.

Colorado

Application Window Notice

Feb 02 2026 12:00 AM

If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Legal Notice

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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