Senior Account Executive - Financial Services

The Senior Account Executive – Financial Services at Lakera holds key responsibilities such as acquiring new clients in the financial services sector, developing customized sales strategies, and engaging with decision-makers at banks and insurance companies. They will also navigate complex procurement cycles, serve as a trusted advisor on AI security, and provide feedback to the product team to align offerings with industry needs.

Candidates for the Senior Account Executive – Financial Services position at Lakera should possess a minimum of 5 years of sales experience in the financial services sector, including knowledge of AI and cybersecurity. A proven track record of exceeding sales quotas, as well as understanding the regulatory frameworks in finance, is essential. Strong communication and strategic thinking skills, along with an entrepreneurial mindset, are also important.

At Lakera, the hybrid work model allows Senior Account Executives – Financial Services the flexibility to work both in-office in San Francisco and remotely. This arrangement includes a healthy balance of travel, approximately 50% global travel, allowing you to build client relationships while also enjoying the benefits of remote work.

As a Senior Account Executive – Financial Services at Lakera, your focus will be on targeting various financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and asset managers. Your role will involve understanding their unique needs related to AI security and establishing value-driven relationships that cater to those requirements.

Lakera offers a competitive total compensation package that includes above-market equity grants, health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k plan, paid parental leave, and unlimited PTO. Additionally, there are wellness and commuter benefits designed to support a healthy work-life balance for our employees.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples of financial institutions you've worked with, detailing the sales strategies you employed, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Share measurable results to demonstrate your success in this sector.

Discuss your approach to objection handling by emphasizing the importance of understanding the client's needs. Share techniques you use, such as active listening and empathy, and offer examples where you've successfully turned objections into opportunities.

Provide specific strategies that you've employed in past roles, whether it was through data analysis, deep market research, or innovative outreach campaigns. Support your answer with statistics or anecdotes that showcase your ability to consistently exceed targets.

Indicate your methods for staying informed, such as following industry news, attending conferences, engaging with peers, or participating in online forums or communities related to finance and AI. Demonstrate that you have a proactive approach to continuous learning.

Discuss the importance of compliance in the financial sector, and detail how it informs your sales strategies. Provide examples where necessary, demonstrating how you've carefully navigated these considerations to build trust with clients.

Outline a specific scenario where you brought together multiple stakeholders from different departments. Highlight how you facilitated communication and collaboration, and discuss the end result to show your ability to navigate complex sales environments.

Articulate the significance of building long-term relationships over transactional interactions. Share techniques you utilize to foster trust, such as regular check-ins and providing valuable insights that enhance client satisfaction and engagement.

Discuss the frameworks or tools you use to assess leads based on potential value, urgency, and fit. Emphasize the importance of maintaining an organized approach in your pipeline management, ensuring timely follow-ups and engagement with prospects.

Identify common challenges, such as client skepticism, regulatory hurdles, and the fast-paced evolution of AI technologies. Share your strategies for addressing these challenges effectively through education, trust-building, and demonstrating the ROI of proposed solutions.

Express your enthusiasm for both Lakera and the financial services sector. Discuss what excites you about the company's mission, products, and culture, and how your personal values align with their objectives regarding AI security and ethical technology.