Finance Lead

About the role

We are seeking a Finance Lead to join our Berlin‑based deep‑tech startup. The role is mission‑critical, responsible for building a robust and scalable finance function that supports our AI‑driven catalyst discovery platform.

Key responsibilities

• Manage daily financial operations including accounting, bookkeeping, payroll coordination, invoice tracking and payments.
• Maintain cash‑flow forecasts and budgeting to keep the organization lean and financially sound.
• Identify and implement AI‑based automations to streamline routine finance tasks.
• Ensure continuous legal and fiscal compliance, keeping documentation audit‑ready at all times.
• Oversee vendor relationships, purchasing processes and overall risk management.
• Build and maintain complex financial models, conduct scenario planning, and evaluate equity, debt and joint‑development structures.
• Partner with commercial and business‑development teams to stress‑test deals and align them with long‑term financial strategy.
• Prepare strategic financial reports for the CEO and investors, communicating the story behind the numbers.

Required profile

• Experienced finance professional with a proven track record in high‑growth, technology‑focused environments.
• Strong analytical mindset and ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced startup.

Required skills

• Financial modeling
• Budgeting and cash‑flow management
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• Payroll processing
• AI automation tools
• Scenario planning