Vice President Finance

At Mechanical Orchard, we specialize in safely rewriting the most critical and complex business applications—the software that runs the world as we know it today—so they’re ready to adapt quickly and easily to market challenges and opportunities. Our approach emerged from observing the decades-long failure patterns in modernization efforts and is designed to eliminate the risks and disruptions that characterize most projects.

Our background in software development and the impact on the industry is well known: we've literally helped write the book on XP and other impactful Agile practices. We’re applying the same thoughtfulness and rigor in applying AI pragmatically where it helps. We believe in the durable principles behind Agile, and embrace the power of cross-functional teams, collective ownership, test driven development, short feedback loops, and continuous improvement.

We’re bringing joy to beleaguered IT teams everywhere. Together, we’re seeing how applying craft, expertise, and technologies we’re building can fundamentally transform the way companies operate, innovate, and win. Our values are: Do the right thing. Do what works. Be kind.

Position Overview   Mechanical Orchard is seeking a dynamic, growth-oriented Vice President Finance to guide the company’s corporate strategy and financial planning as it expands its customer base and product offerings following a $50M financing round. The successful candidate will have proven experience scaling VC-backed SaaS/enterprise software companies through organically.   As a member of our executive leadership team, the VP Finance will play a critical role in shaping the financial strategy and direction of the company as well as working cross-functionally to drive business results. Reporting to the COO, the VP Finance will focus on creating value rather than protecting it and be a true business partner to the rest of the leadership team. The successful candidate is a great strategic thinker but also excited to build the machine from scratch.  

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement financial strategies supporting the company’s overall business objectives and growth plans.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to the CEO, COO, and executive team to allow for informed and rapid strategic decision-making.
• Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and long-term planning processes beginning with the annual plan. Ownership of financial projections and valuation models.

Financial Operations

• Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, tax, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrate strong financial stewardship. Direct resource allocation, monitor company expenditures and help review and negotiate customer and vendor agreements
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial statements and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead the company in the definition and reporting on key company operational metrics.
• Implement and maintain robust internal controls and financial systems, implementing processes, frameworks and systems that allow for timely and accurate data capture and utilization across the business to make better decisions.
• Select and work with an external audit firm on tax and compliance matters. Set accounting policy.
• Build and mentor the Finance and Accounting team through a strong hiring process and the implementation of systems, processes, internal controls, and policies.

Risk Management

• Identify and manage financial risks and opportunities for the company, including market, credit, and operational risks.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including international requirements.
• Oversee insurance coverage and manage relationships with insurance providers.

Team Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement that provides mentorship and development opportunities to finance team members.
• Ability to collaborate with other executives particularly when discussing opposing viewpoints.
• Coordinate across cross-functional teams to drive financial performance and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• Minimum ten years progressive financial leadership experience, with a minimum five years in a senior finance leadership role.
• Proven track record of success in a high-growth technology startup or similar environment, preferably SaaS.
• Experience implementing finance systems and processes across a global organization, including Big 4 audit partner selection and initiation of annual audits.
• Deep understanding of corporate financial management, including financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Experience in investor relations, and managing relationships with external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, including a proven track record of hiring top talent and growing them into senior positions with a focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Strong knowledge of AI and mainframe modernization technologies and market trends.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a cutting-edge tech startup transforming the software industry.
• Work in a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative environment with visionary leaders.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development through imprinting your decisions onto the company’s processes and culture.
• Competitive compensation package, including equity options, comprehensive benefits and matching 401k.