Director of Finance, Strategic Initiatives

The responsibilities of the Director of Finance, Strategic Initiatives at OpenAI include driving critical cross-functional finance initiatives aligned with the company's objectives, overseeing finance-related integrations, and translating high-level business goals into executable plans. This role also requires building detailed project plans, managing stakeholder alignment, and identifying operational gaps.

To qualify for the Director of Finance, Strategic Initiatives position at OpenAI, candidates should have over 12 years of experience in Finance, Accounting, or Corporate Development, with at least 5 years in integrations or finance transformation. Strong project leadership experience and excellent communication skills are essential.

OpenAI offers relocation assistance for the Director of Finance, Strategic Initiatives role, ensuring that candidates from outside San Francisco can transition smoothly to the local area. We understand the importance of supporting our team members as they establish their new work-life balance.

The work environment for the Director of Finance, Strategic Initiatives at OpenAI is a hybrid model, requiring three days in the office each week. This setup allows for collaboration with team members while also providing flexibility for focused work at home.

OpenAI's mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity. In the role of Director of Finance, Strategic Initiatives, you will help shape financial strategies that align with this mission, ensuring that financial systems are effective and support our overarching goals.

When developing financial controls in a fast-paced environment, I focus on aligning controls with business objectives, ensuring they are scalable and adaptable. I prioritize communication with all stakeholders to clarify expectations and shifts in priorities effectively.

One successful finance transformation initiative I led involved implementing a new ERP system that improved reporting and streamlined workflows. I established a clear project plan with milestones and engaged cross-functional teams, ensuring buy-in and cooperation throughout the process.

I typically conduct a thorough risk assessment that includes team interviews, process mapping, and benchmarking against best practices. This helps in identifying gaps early in the transformation process and allows for proactive mitigation strategies.

I've led multiple cross-functional finance projects, collaborating with teams like Corporate Development and Tax. My experience ranges from managing project timelines to conducting risk assessments, ensuring seamless coordination between departments.

To ensure stakeholder alignment, I prioritize ongoing communication and update sessions, using visual project timelines and dashboards for clarity. By involving stakeholders in the planning process early, we can set mutual expectations and responsibilities.

I employ a combination of risk assessment frameworks and mitigation planning. I ensure that any potential risks are regularly tracked, assessed, and proactively addressed through contingency plans as the project evolves.

Success is measured through KPIs established at the onset of the initiative, including efficiency improvements, cost savings, and stakeholder satisfaction. Post-implementation reviews are crucial for assessing effectiveness and areas for future improvement.

I once led an integration for an acquired company that involved a complete overhaul of financial systems. The challenge was in aligning different cultures and processes, but through stakeholder engagement and clear communication, we achieved a smooth transition.

Prioritization is based on strategic alignment and potential impact. I typically use a scoring system to evaluate projects against company goals and available resources, ensuring that the most critical initiatives receive the attention they need.

My approach involves regularly soliciting feedback from team members, conducting internal audits, and staying informed on industry trends. This allows me to identify improvement opportunities continuously and promote a culture of operational excellence.