Strategic Finance Lead for Biotech Growth

Surf Search; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Surf Search in South San Francisco, CA, seeks a highly analytical leader to own financial strategy and business operations for a fast-growing biotech start-up. This role will connect FP&A, operations, and cross-functional teams to translate initiatives into insight, build scalable finance processes, and support disciplined, equity-driven growth in an early-stage environment.

The ideal candidate will bring 7+ years in financial planning or strategic finance, with life sciences experience

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in financial planning, strategic finance, or business operations.
• Prior experience in life sciences or a technical, R&D-driven environment preferred.
• Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced setting.
• Experience working cross-functionally with technical, legal, and administrative teams.
• High level of analytical rigor, judgment, and attention to detail.
• Experience working in a dynamic, early-stage start-up organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, ensuring alignment across departments.
• Analyze financial performance, including variance reporting and actionable insights.
• Develop long-term financial models and cash planning scenarios.
• Partner with technical and functional teams to align operational goals with financial plans.
• Prepare materials for leadership reporting and external stakeholders.
• Oversee relationships with external service providers supporting finance, HR, and administrative functions.
• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and scalability across financial and operational processes.
• Support valuation exercises, fundraising efforts, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Maintain equity tracking, compensation structures, and related documentation.
• Collaborate with legal advisors on governance and corporate matters.
• Coordinate with intellectual property partners on filings, timelines, and budgets.
• Partner with HR on compensation planning and internal processes.
• Oversee expense management, purchasing workflows, and vendor spend control.

Skills

Budgeting & Forecasting

Financial Modeling

Cross-functional Collaboration

Strategic Finance

Analytical Rigor

Job description

Surf Search in South San Francisco, CA, seeks a highly analytical leader to own financial strategy and business operations for a fast-growing biotech start-up. This role will connect FP&A, operations, and cross-functional teams to translate initiatives into insight, build scalable finance processes, and support disciplined, equity-driven growth in an early-stage environment.

The ideal candidate will bring 7+ years in financial planning or strategic finance, with life sciences experience