Lead - Finance Programs & Operations

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies in Palo Alto, CA, seeks a Lead of Finance Programs and Operations to architect the finance function of the future. You will optimize processes, implement AI and automation, and steward the Target Operating Model while reporting to the Director of Finance Programs and Operations.

This hybrid role requires 5–8 years of experience in finance operations or transformation, strong IT finance literacy, and the ability to translate business needs into scalable

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in Finance Operations, Business Transformation, or Management Consulting.
• Innovative Mindset: Finance of the Future and using technology (AI, RPA, or advanced ERP modules) to build solutions.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of financial IT architecture and ability to speak tech with developers and finance with accountants.
• Analytical & Organized: Track complex targets and manage evolving Operating Model and ICFR/ITGC processes.
• Agile Communicator: Present ideas clearly to senior leadership and collaborate across functions.

Responsibilities

• Shape lean, scalable finance processes for a self-sufficient organization while maintaining startup agility.
• Lead modernization by leveraging AI, ML, and automation to speed financial reporting and decision-making.
• Maintain and update the Target Operating Model (TOM) and track KPIs to ensure alignment with scaling needs.
• Bridge IT requirements and financial business needs; oversee ICFR/ITGC frameworks and cross-functional SLAs with partner companies.
• Partner with FP&A to transform raw data into actionable insights for Co-CEOs and CFO.

Skills

Finance operations

Process improvement

AI & automation

ERP systems

Analytics

Tools

AI tools

RPA

ERP modules

IT architecture

Job description

About Us

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

Role Summary

We are seeking a future-focused Lead of Finance Programs and Operations to help architect and run the finance department of the future. As part of the CFO organization, you will be the engine behind our operational efficiency and process landscape as well as a primary custodian of our Target Operating Model (TOM). This role is for an innovative professional who knows how to manage processes and seeks to automate and disrupt them using AI and advanced IT systems. This role reports to the Director of Finance Programs and Operations. Located in our Palo Alto, California office, this position offers a standard hybrid schedule with the expectation of being in the office three days a week. You won't just be "running the books"—you will be building the systems that define how a global tech leader operates. If you want to move away from legacy finance and toward a tech-driven, automated future, this is your role.

Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence: Shape lean, scalable processes for a self-sufficient finance organization and with adjacent business partners, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while maintaining a startup’s agility.
• Finance Modernization: Act as a change agent to build a future proof Finance department. Proactively identify opportunities to leverage AI, machine learning, and automation to reduce manual workflows and increase the speed of financial reporting and decision-making.
• TOM Stewardship & Target Tracking: Maintain and update the JV’s Target Operating Model (TOM). You will track organizational targets and KPIs, ensuring that the finance and COO organizations remain aligned with the scaling requirements of the Joint Venture as well as our efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Execution: Lead the day-to-day execution of strategic projects for the CFO and COO. You will bridge the gap between technical IT requirements and financial business needs to ensure seamless ramp-up. As a part of this, you will oversee the implementation and operate ICFR/ITGC frameworks, support process audits with the relevant business partners and manage cross-functional TSAs/SLAs with parent/partner companies.
• Data-Driven Decision Support: Partner with FP&A to transform raw data into sophisticated insights. You will create the frameworks that allow the Co-CEOs and CFO to make rapid, informed business decisions.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5–8 years of experience in Finance Operations, Business Transformation, or Management Consulting.
• Innovative Mindset: You are passionate about the "Finance of the Future" and have a proven track record of using technology (AI, RPA, or advanced ERP modules) to build solutions and solve traditional finance problems.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of financial IT architecture. You are comfortable speaking "tech" with developers and "finance" with accountants.
• Analytical & Organized: Exceptional ability to track complex organizational targets and manage the version control of a shifting Operating Model as well as operating ICFR/ITGC processes.
• Agile Communicator: Ability to present innovative ideas clearly to senior leadership while collaborating effectively with cross-functional peers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience implementing or optimizing AI tools within a corporate finance setting.
• Experience in the EV, Software, or high-tech manufacturing industries.
• Background in managing Transition Service Agreements (TSAs) or JV integrations.

Total Rewards

We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program. Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements. In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country.

Equal Opportunity

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [e-mail].

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) record keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.

If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment-related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment.

Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.

Compensation Range

Compensation Range: $149.7K - $205.8K