Head of Strategic Finance

About the role

This role involves leading all aspects of strategic financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial modeling. The Head of Strategic Finance will work closely with the CFO and Investor Relations to prepare materials for fundraising, investor communications, and board reports. A key part of the job is evaluating business initiatives and providing recommendations to executive management based on financial and strategic analysis.

The position requires performing detailed financial analyses for various strategic decisions, such as annual operating plans, M&A activities, strategic investments, and capital market transactions. This includes constructing ad-hoc models for scenario planning and sensitivity analysis to support internal investment decisions and fundraising. Success in this role means effectively translating complex financial concepts into clear, actionable business insights for non-financial stakeholders.

The Head of Strategic Finance will also manage the long-term planning process, focusing on operational and financial benchmarking in coordination with the FP&A team. This leadership position demands a strong ability to identify business drivers and risks, presenting these insights to the executive team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of implementing robust finance governance frameworks in a rapidly scaling environment.

The compensation range for this role in the US is between $330,000 and $410,000 USD, with actual compensation determined by factors like location, experience, and skills.

Skills that matter here

• Strategic Finance: This role requires leading all aspects of strategic financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• financial modeling: The position demands exceptional skills in Excel and financial modeling, including for M&A, capital markets, valuation, and fundraising.
• AI/ML market dynamics: Understanding of AI/ML market dynamics, pricing strategies, and enterprise sales cycles is necessary.
• financial planning systems: Deep knowledge of enterprise-level financial planning systems is a key qualification.
• data visualization tools: Experience with data visualization tools is expected for presenting financial insights effectively.
• investor relations: The role involves assisting in fundraising and preparing materials for investor relations and board reporting.

Who this role suits

• A leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic finance, particularly in building and scaling finance teams within high-growth tech environments.
• Someone who can operate effectively in a SaaS or similar technology organization, understanding AI/ML market dynamics and enterprise sales cycles.
• An individual adept at translating complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.
• A person capable of inspiring trust and building strong relationships with cross-functional partners while also mentoring team members.

From the employer

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, long-term planning, and assist in fundraising strategy development.
• Partner with the CFO and Investor Relations to assist to prepare materials for fundraising, investor relations, and board reporting. Partner with senior leadership to evaluate key business initiatives.
• Lead and perform financial analyses for a variety of strategic decisions, including Annual Operating Plan, M&A, strategic investments, partnerships, capital market transactions, and fundraising opportunities.
• Provide recommendations to executive management based on both financial and strategic implications of investment decisions. Identify business drivers and risks and present them to the Executive Team.
• Construct detailed ad-hoc analyses (scenario modeling, sensitivity analyses, and contingency planning) to support internal investment decision-making and fundraising efforts.
• Manage the long-term planning process with a focus on operational and financial benchmarking, coordinating with the FP&A team.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of leadership experience in Strategic Finance, including a track record of building and scaling finance teams in high-growth environments.
• Experience operating in a SaaS or similar technology organization, coupled with an understanding of AI/ML market dynamics, pricing strategies, and enterprise sales cycles.
• Deep knowledge of enterprise-level financial planning systems and experience with data visualization tools. Proven track record of implementing finance governance frameworks and controls in a rapidly scaling environment.
• Exceptional Excel and financial modeling skills, including M&A, capital markets, valuation, and fundraising modeling experience. Experience with investor relations and capital raising activities.
• Executive level presentation & communication skills. Experience building relationships with cross-functional partners, inspiring trust across the organization while providing mentorship to team members.
• Track record of success translating complex financial concepts into actionable business insights for non-financial stakeholders.

Compensation:

Cohere is committed to fair and transparent pay practices. The salary range listed for this role reflects the expected base compensation. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

For candidates in the US, the Compensation Range is: $330,000 – $410,000 [USD]

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AT COHERE ENJOY THESE PERKS:

• A weekly lunch stipend of $75/£75 or equivalent in your local currency for lunch.
• Full health and dental benefits, including a separate budget for mental health.
• RRSP matching, 401K, Pension Scheme.
• 100% Parental Leave top-up for up to 6 months, for either parent.
• Annual enrichment benefits:
• Arts & culture, fitness/wellness, quality time, and a workspace improvement credit.
• Education & learning stipend for conferences, courses, and coaching.
• 6 weeks of paid vacation (30 working days!)
• Budget for traveling to other offices if you are remote, plus an annual company offsite.