Director, Strategic Finance and Analytics

Upstart

98d • $184,500 - $255,400

About The Position

Upstart is the leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. By leveraging Upstart's AI marketplace, Upstart-powered banks and credit unions can have higher approval rates and lower loss rates across races, ages, and genders, while simultaneously delivering the exceptional digital-first lending experience their customers demand. More than 80% of borrowers are approved instantly, with zero documentation to upload. Upstart is a digital-first company, which means that most Upstarters live and work anywhere in the United States. However, we also have offices in San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas. Most Upstarters join us because they connect with our mission of enabling access to effortless credit based on true risk. If you are energized by the impact you can make at Upstart, we’d love to hear from you! The Director, Strategic Finance & Analytics role spans business analytics, strategy development, business performance management, and execution of high-impact initiatives. You will identify and size new strategic opportunities, generate data-driven insights to guide decision-making, and lead cross-functional efforts to address top business challenges. Whether it’s building a go/no-go business case for a new initiative, diagnosing unexpected shifts in performance, or mobilizing teams around mission-critical goals, you’ll be at the heart of how we shape and scale our Auto business.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in strategy, business operations, analytics or a similar data-driven role - ideally in fintech or tech.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with fluency in tools like SQL, Excel, and at least one BI platform (e.g., Looker, Tableau)
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and working across functions such as product, engineering, marketing, and finance
• Experience with strategic planning, building business cases, conducting deep dive analyses, and managing operational KPIs
• Ability to translate complex data into compelling insights and drive alignment with executive stakeholders
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Exposure to or comfort with financial modeling, forecasting, or cohort-based revenue and cost analysis

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in management consulting, investment banking, and private equity is highly preferred
• Advanced degree (MBA, MS/Phd in Finance or Economics) is a plus but not required

Responsibilities

• Act as a proactive partner to functional leaders, ensuring strategic alignment and execution discipline across all teams including Product, GTM, Sales, Customer Success, Finance, Capital Markets, Analytics, Ops, etc.
• Facilitate structured prioritization processes to ensure teams focus on the highest-impact opportunities
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new strategic initiatives and growth bets
• Conduct detailed analyses and develop business cases to support go/no-go decisions
• Partner with cross-functional teams to scope initiatives, align stakeholders, and drive from recommendation to action
• Continuously monitor business performance against key metrics
• Detect unexpected trends early, lead root-cause investigations, and propose clear, actionable interventions
• Own resolution of critical issues that cut across teams, mitigating risks before they escalate and become systemic
• Drive execution of top-priority programs, especially where cross-functional coordination and operational rigor are critical
• Define success metrics, scope workstreams, and lead working teams to deliver measurable business outcomes
• Step in to directly lead and operationalize initiatives when ownership gaps arise

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Life and disability insurance
• Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave
• Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
• Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs
• Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates, employee resource groups (ERGs), and other interest groups such as book clubs, fitness, investing, and volunteering
• Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees