Strategic Finance Consultant

About Us

Burkland's core purpose is to Accelerate Dreams. So often, turning dreams into reality helps change the world. We thrive at the forefront of this transformation. Startups desire our professionals as they are the best in the business. Startups seek our content because we are an industry thought leader. Startups trust our expertise, so founders can focus on their companies, products, and value-add. Because of our demonstrated value, our clients have raised more than $17.8B!

At Burkland, we lead with our Core Purpose. We do this for both our clients and our employees. We believe that leaning on our Core Values (Fresh Perspectives, Exponential Value, Empathy, Trusted Partner) will lead to happy clients and happy employees.

We are a remote-first company with over 185 team members, more than 800 clients, and a culture built on doing meaningful work with people who genuinely care about helping our clients grow. Come build something with us!

The Role

We're looking for a strategic, forward-thinking Strategic Finance Consultant with a proven track record in the AI/SaaS startup ecosystem. As the de-facto senior finance team member for such clients, you'll help chart the course for extremely fast-growing AI and AI-adjacent venture-backed startups, own the numbers month over month, architect & manage the right systems, become a trusted voice to founders and investors, and help your clients navigate the complex capital requirements of this rapidly-changing sector.

Where You’ll’ Drive Impact:

• Head of Finance responsibilities, including oversight of monthly close, budgeting & forecasting, capital planning & treasury management.

• Advise founders and management team on financial strategy, including capital planning, growth, management fee strategy and execution.

• Own the finance section of Board meetings, including KPI dashboards and investor updates.

• Support fundraising and M&A, including round structure, cap table scenarios, speaking with both current and potential investors, term sheets, diligence activities, etc.

• Manage revenue cycle, cash flow planning, vendor spend, controls, growth potential and audit readiness.

• Flag opportunities to bring in Burkland's bookkeeping, tax, and HR services.

About You

• Direct, substantial experience in finance roles at venture-backed startups in the AI and AI-adjacent sectors. This is the top qualifier.

• Specific experience with compute cost management, cluster costs, cloud infrastructure, training/inference expenses, and hybrid pricing models.

• Other startup finance experience, particularly related to SaaS models & metrics.

• Significant knowledge and usage of current AI tools, skills and LLMs as applied to the Office of the CFO - financial analysis, processes, accounting, reporting, etc.

• A history of managing and owning the numbers from a C-suite perspective, not just doing the accounting or building the models.

• Broad and deep experience with, or advising through, major capital events — equity & SAFE fundraising, SAFE debt facilities, M&A, and exits.

• Comfortable operating at the board level and working with investors, founders and other stakeholders using your exceptional soft skills.

• At least 7–10 years in finance/operations, ideally in progressively responsible positions, ideally in AI/SaaS, machine learning, big data or digital infrastructure companies.

• Strong familiarity with financial technology platforms such as QBO, Carta, Rippling, Ramp, Rillet, etc.

• MBA or CPA preferred, not required.

• Preference given to candidates based in Northern California, New York metro area, Austin or Boston, but not a requirement.

What We Offer

• Remote, work-from-anywhere flexibility. We're a remote-first workplace, so you can set up your office at home, at a coworking space, or on the beach if you'd like — as long as you have a reliable internet connection and are available during normal business hours.

• We also encourage regular in-person visits with your clients when possible.

• Flexible work schedule to promote a healthy work-life balance.

• A collaborative, communicative culture driven by our Core Purpose + Values. We work with incredibly smart people who love to learn and share what they know. If this sounds like a team you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you.

• New Business Bonus Program - Bring us a new client, get rewarded. If you introduce a client who wasn't already on Burkland's radar, you're eligible for a bonus — no cap on how many.

• Cross-Sell Bonus Program - Spot a new opportunity with an existing client you’re working with, and help make it happen? You’re eligible for a bonus!

• Head of Finance Economic Interest - Serving as the actual, substantive Head of Finance for a multi-service client? You’re eligible for a bonus!

Burkland Associates is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Burkland Associates is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit our careers page at https://burklandassociates.com/careers/.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

The target compensation range for this engagement is $71,000 - $340,000 (project/contract basis), depending on scope. Final rates depend on multiple factors such as the consultant's experience and expertise, geographic market, and project scope and duration. As an independent contractor engagement, compensation is structured as fees for services rendered under a consulting agreement.