Director, R&D Finance

About the Role

As a leading AI Cybersecurity firm on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, our company safeguards digital integrity with unparalleled AI-driven solutions. Amidst our rapid growth trajectory, we seek a strategic and visionary Director of R&D Finance to oversee financial strategies that underpin our Engineering and Product Development (EPD) initiatives. This role is pivotal in shaping financial practices that directly contribute to our ambitious goals, enhancing our market position, and driving ROI from our engineering efforts.

What you will do

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Serve as a key financial strategist for the EPD and STO divisions, crafting financial models that align with the company's strategic objectives. Elevate financial planning from mere budget management to strategic investment in innovation, ensuring every dollar spent maximizes engineering ROI and contributes to significant ARR growth.
• Comprehensive Budget Oversight: Champion the development and execution of comprehensive budget strategies across all EPD domains, incorporating sophisticated forecasting, resource allocation, and operational expense management to support scalable growth. Ensure these strategies are robust, flexible, and aligned with long-term corporate visions.
• Advanced Investment Analysis: Spearhead advanced investment analysis, applying rigorous financial and risk assessment methodologies to evaluate and prioritize R&D projects. Employ a strategic lens to investment decisions, focusing on long-term value creation and market differentiation.
• Strategic Partnership and Collaboration: Act as a primary financial liaison between EPD, Corporate FP&A, Accounting, and external stakeholders. Forge strategic partnerships to refine financial models and operational efficiency, ensuring alignment with global financial strategies and compliance.
• Global Strategy and Efficiency Optimization: Leverage deep analytical insights to refine and optimize global operations, particularly focusing on the strategic significance of the India office. Implement benchmarking and best practices to drive continual improvement in EPD efficiency and effectiveness.
• Executive Decision Support: Provide executive-level support by delivering actionable financial insights and analyses that drive strategic decision-making. Evaluate complex scenarios to inform resource allocation, technological investments, and strategic project selections.
• Financial Stewardship and Governance: Uphold the highest standards of financial integrity and governance across R&D operations. Ensure a culture of accountability, transparency, and strategic foresight in financial planning and analysis practices.
• Innovation and Infrastructure Savings: Identify and execute innovative projects to achieve aggressive infrastructure savings targets without compromising on growth or service quality. Report on progress and adapt strategies to meet evolving technological and market demands.

• Infrastructure Forecasting: Manage detailed infrastructure forecasts and control spending to meet gross margin expectations. Forecast non-Cost of Revenue (COR) infrastructure and underlying unit economics, including per product margins.

Must Haves

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in financial management within technology or cybersecurity sectors, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing R&D or product development finance.
• A master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA) are advantageous.
• Experience successfully supporting and adding value to global organizations
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute financial strategies that support technological innovation and company growth.
• Proven track record of effective cross-functional and executive-level collaboration.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and drive organizational change.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, analytics tools, and ERP systems.

Nice to Have

• Experience in the Cyber-security and SaaS industries
• Experience working in a fast growth private company in series C or above