Business Operations Lead

Seneca•Sausalito, CA

2d•$125,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

Seneca is seeking a Business Operations Lead to manage strategic finance, accounting, contracts, insurance, compliance, purchasing, payroll and benefits, and office operations. This role will be responsible for up-leveling the organization's daily operations and supporting key strategic initiatives such as M&A, financings, and partnerships. The position reports to the CEO and will involve close collaboration and the potential to hire additional resources.

Requirements

Experience in strategic finance or private equity and/or investment banking.
Experience running finance and operations at a venture-backed startup, ideally one that builds hardware, through a period of significant growth.
Strong understanding of accounting principles, including GAAP, revenue recognition, inventory, and capitalized R&D, sufficient to manage an outside firm and identify errors.
Generalist with a hands-on, operational approach; focused on fixing problems.
Proven ability to design scalable operational processes, automate manual workflows, identify future bottlenecks, and evaluate tools, partners, and vendors for long-term scalability.
Ability to handle confidential information with care.
Clear and plain written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain business concepts to diverse audiences.
Willingness to work in person in Sausalito.

Nice To Haves

A history of excellence, as this role will partner closely with the CEO.

Responsibilities

Run the finance function, including FP&A and accounting.
Partner with teams on cost and revenue optimization strategies.
Own the monthly close process with the outside accounting firm.
Manage accounting for a hardware company, including inventory, BOMs, capitalized R&D, fixed assets, and revenue recognition on multi-year contracts.
Handle invoicing and collections, including milestone billing on government and utility contracts.
Develop expense management policies and suggest monthly budgets, ensuring adherence.
Maintain the budget and board package.
Own contracts, working with outside counsel on customer agreements, supplier terms, NDAs, and government contracting paperwork.
Manage insurance, including aviation and product liability.
Maintain the compliance calendar, including corporate filings, state registrations, export controls, and public agency selling requirements.
Run purchasing processes, including approvals, corporate cards, expense policy, and vendor setup.
Negotiate large vendor and supplier agreements.
Partner with outside counsel on legal matters such as NDAs and partnership agreements.
Oversee payroll, benefits, and HRIS through vendors.
Assist with recruitment efforts.
Manage compensation and equity, including bands, offers, grants, refreshes, and the promotion process in partnership with the CEO.
Ensure HR compliance, including I-9s, multi-state registrations, handbook, and required trainings.
Serve as a confidential point of contact for employees regarding issues.
Own finance and ops systems (Ramp, Rippling, Carta, QuickBooks) and evaluate replacement needs.
Manage the Sausalito office, including lease, facilities, IT, and security basics, and equipment.