Finance Lead (Contract to Hire)

Astera Institute • Emerybille, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Astera is a private foundation focused on advancing science and technology for an abundant future. This role is a contract position to cover the Controller's leave of absence, with the potential to convert to a permanent role focused on FP&A and finance operations. The engagement runs from September 2026 through June 2027, with an overlap period before the leave begins. The role involves end-to-end ownership of accounting, treasury, compliance, and FP&A, managing one direct report (an Accounting Manager). Astera is experiencing significant growth, projecting to expand from 100 to 300 FTEs by the end of 2027. If the role converts, it will involve managing budgets and grants for internal projects and external grantees. This position is ideal for a finance leader who thrives in dynamic, entrepreneurial settings, can quickly take ownership, and is motivated by building the financial foundation of an impactful organization. The role reports to the COO of the Foundation Division.

Requirements

• ~8–12 years of experience in financial management and strategic finance, preferably in startups.
• Prior experience leading finance and accounting functions is ideal.
• Motivated by enabling science that could reshape the future.
• Exceptional relationship orientation and verbal + written communication.
• Gives and receives feedback well.
• Comfortable operating outside a fixed job description and thriving in a startup-like environment.
• Eagerness to use AI and new technology as an opportunity to improve effectiveness.
• Bias to action and experimentation.
• Commitment to high standards, ownership, and tenacious problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead FP&A: Partner with budget leads and Astera leadership on financial analysis, including budget-to-actuals reporting and deep-dive analyses.
• Drive Financial Operations: Manage agreements and payments across vendors, payroll, grants, and investments. Work directly in Ramp, our spend management platform, to ensure data accuracy. Establish and revise program budgets and grants.
• Lead Financial Reporting and Compliance: Oversee the preparation of accurate, timely financial statements and ensure successful completion of taxes and annual audits by managing relationships with accounting, audit, and tax partners.
• Oversee the Balance Sheet and Treasury: Collaborate with internal and external partners to monitor and report on Astera's investment portfolio, supporting informed decision-making and risk management.
• Continuously improve systems: Strive for best-in-class financial systems that improve the team's efficiency and effectiveness.
• Teach and learn from others: Uplevel the full finance team.
• Flex to "unknown unknowns": Adapt to emerging needs across the finance and operations stack.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed