Finance
WindBorne Systems is supercharging weather models with a unique proprietary data source: constellations of next-generation smart weather balloons targeting the most critical atmospheric data. We then combine that unique data source with the world’s most accurate AI weather models. Our long-term vision is to eliminate weather uncertainty, and in the process help humanity adapt to climate change, be that predicting hurricanes or speeding the adoption of renewables. The founding team of Stanford engineers was named Forbes 2019 30 under 30 and is backed by top investors including Khosla Ventures.
Our mission is to eliminate weather uncertainty, and in the process help humanity adapt to climate change, be that predicting hurricanes or speeding the adoption of renewables. We are building a future in which the planet is instrumented by thousands of our microballoons, eliminating gaps in our understanding of the planet and giving people and businesses the information they need to make critical decisions. The founding team of Stanford engineers was named Forbes 2019 30 under 30 and is backed by top investors including Khosla Ventures.
Leading Finance at WindBorne Systems, you will play a critical role in building up the foundation and strategy behind our financial operations, working closely with the CEO and Chief of Staff. This role demands a detail-oriented and results-driven professional who is adept at overseeing financial and accounting activities, and proficient in supporting both software and manufacturing sectors of our business.
WindBorne Systems, a global hardware company, faces unique challenges in accounting and financial planning due to its operations. We produce hundreds of balloons monthly and manage thousands of parts across subsidiaries on three continents. Our diverse clientele includes government, commercial, and philanthropic organizations, each with unique contractual demands. As we scale, managing capital expenditure is crucial. We require a financial leader capable of simplifying complex problems into manageable components, ensuring clarity and order in our financial strategy. This role is perfect for a detail-oriented individual with exceptional spreadsheet skills.
You will be responsible for ensuring efficient financial processes and practices. Your involvement will be key in building and enhancing financial operations, striving for excellence in accounting and finance. As we continue to grow, your role will evolve, offering the opportunity to take on more responsibility across finance or playing an integral role in building out the finance and accounting team at the company. This position requires a unique blend of financial expertise and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
We're committed to advancing climate technology to help humanity adapt to climate change quickly. Joining our mission offers you a chance to make a significant global societal impact. If you're excited about working with cutting-edge technology and a dynamic team, WindBorne is your destination.
We're dedicated to both mitigating climate change and helping humanity adapt to its effects as fast as possible, and you can be a part of our mission to make this global societal impact. If you like the idea of working on cutting edge technology, and working with a fast moving team, WindBorne is the place for you.
Responsibilities
Set up and oversee systems for managing both historical and future financial operations, ensuring compliance with US GAAP standards across all global operations.
Integrate inventory systems with financial operations, focusing on hardware-specific metrics and general finance and accounting metrics, using ERP and accounting software integrations for comprehensive supply chain finance management.
Manage large contracts across government, commercial, and philanthropic sectors, adapting financial strategies to diverse needs and managing crucial capital expenditures as we scale.
Implement and manage regulatory and compliance protocols, ensuring alignment with financial and operational goals and driving cross-functional improvements.
Manage strong relationships with banks, auditors, and tax authorities, ensuring alignment with financial and operational goals.
Hire, lead and develop a high-integrity finance and accounting team, focused on building cohesive teams capable of sustaining growth.
Skills and Qualifications
Required
Proven track record as a Finance Lead / CFO or equivalent leadership role at early-stage startup.
Expert technical knowledge of US GAAP and technical accounting.
Demonstrate strong project management and ability to identify, analyze, offer solutions and execute solutions to tax and accounting problems.
Experience evolving processes, controls and systems to support a growth stage company; specifically, Fishbowl and QuickBooks
Excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively interact with Executive management and cross-functional teams; ability to explain complex or technical financial subjects to a non-technical audience.
Strong personal integrity and the highest ethical standards.
Nice to Have
JD in International Business Law – beneficial for managing international legal and regulatory compliance.
COO experience: Experience in supporting other company functions
Direct deepTech, manufacturing and supply-chain experience
This Job is for You if You:
Thrive in a startup culture; comfortable navigating fast-paced environment, excited about taking the lead to build up strong, efficient financial functions.
Excited to build up a financial and accounting system across a full-stack business with both hardware and software offerings.
Seamlessly navigate across different teams and functions to simplify and centralize financial processes in a full-stack hard-tech startup.
Are able to both jump into the weeds (navigating financial tools and systems) and deliver insights and work with the executive team.
Learn fast, ask questions, and adapt quickly.
Never let anything slip — you're all about detail and foresight.
Salary
We are considering a range of backgrounds and experience levels for this position and adjust our offers accordingly to be competitive with market rates.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Unlimited PTO
- Stock Option Plan
- Office food and beverages
Location
Address: 858 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA.
In person strongly preferred.
What our hardware looks like
