Finance Analyst

Penguin Ai • Palo Alto, CA

16d

About The Position

You’ll own core accounting and FP&A operations that keep Penguin financially healthy and investor‑ready. This is a hands‑on role: run the month‑end close with our external accountants, maintain the financial model, manage cash flow and vendor/customer ops, support payroll and benefits reconciliation, prepare board materials, and help with fundraising diligence. You’ll be a trusted partner to leadership and play a central role in enabling rapid, disciplined growth.

Requirements

• 2-4 years of relevant experience in accounting, FP&A, or finance operations at startups or growth‑stage companies (experience with external accounting partners preferred)
• Strong month‑end close experience: reconciliations, accrual accounting, journal entries, and working with external accountants
• Hands‑on financial modelling and forecasting skills; comfortable building and maintaining dynamic models
• Practical cash‑management experience and familiarity producing burn/runway reports
• Experience managing AP/AR and corporate card/expense platforms (Ramp, Brex, or similar)
• Familiarity with payroll/PEO processes and basic tax filing coordination
• Proficiency in Excel (advanced modelling), Google Sheets, and modern finance tools/ATS; comfort learning new systems (NetSuite, QuickBooks, Carta, etc.)
• Strong communication skills: able to prepare clear dashboards, board‑grade materials, and explain financial drivers to non‑finance leaders
• Detail orientation, ownership mindset, and ability to operate in a fast‑moving startup environment

Nice To Haves

• You've not just survived but thrived in the beautiful chaos of a high-growth startup
• Experience at an early‑stage SaaS or healthcare tech company
• Prior involvement in fundraising and investor diligence
• Hands‑on experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP
• Familiarity with GAAP accounting practices and startup equity mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close process with external accountants: reconciliations, accruals, journal entries, and review of books for accuracy and completeness
• Maintain and update the company financial model and rolling forecasts; track actuals vs. budget and proactively flag variances and drivers
• Track cash flow and runway; produce weekly or monthly burn and cash position reports for leadership and recommend actions
• Manage accounts payable and receivable: vendor invoice processing, payments, and customer collections
• Administer expense management and corporate card programs (Ramp, Brex, or equivalent); enforce policy and review transactions
• Support payroll processing and benefits reconciliation in coordination with HR/PEO and ensure payroll accuracy
• Prepare monthly and quarterly board reporting materials, including KPI dashboards, financial summaries, and narrative explanations of trends
• Help build and maintain the annual budget and rolling forecasts; partner with functional leads to translate operational plans into numbers
• Assist with fundraising and diligence: prepare financial reporting, build exhibits, and respond to investor questions
• Coordinate state and local tax filings; serve as internal point of contact for external tax advisors and ensure timely compliance

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Generous vacation policy and company holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level