Finance Manager

As a Finance Manager at SAM Labs, you will own and manage all elements of US accounting, from the general ledger to accounts payable and receivable. Your role includes preparing and analyzing monthly and annual financial statements, developing accurate tax filings, and creating financial models for budgeting and forecasting. Additionally, you'll prepare financial reports for the board and manage one direct report, ensuring effective team dynamics and compliance with financial regulations.

To be eligible for the Finance Manager position at SAM Labs, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with a CPA or CMA preferred. You should have over 8 years of relevant experience in accounting and financial planning, with proven skills in US accounting practices and GAAP compliance. Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial systems like NetSuite or QuickBooks are also essential.

At SAM Labs, we prioritize the personal and professional development of our employees. As a Finance Manager, you’ll not only have ownership of critical financial processes but will also engage in a supportive environment that values continuous improvement and innovation. Our transparent hiring process allows for collaboration and input at various stages, fostering camaraderie and providing opportunities for learning and growth within the company.

The Finance Manager role at SAM Labs requires a solid background in financial reporting. You should have experience preparing and analyzing financial statements in compliance with GAAP, as well as the ability to compress complex financial actuals into clear reports for internal and external stakeholders. Your skills in financial modeling and scenario planning will also be critical in driving budgeting and forecasting efforts.

The Finance Manager position at SAM Labs offers a competitive salary structure, with a base salary of $90k USD, plus an uncapped variable compensation of $20k USD that is performance-based. Additionally, this role comes with equity, allowing you to be a part of our company’s growth, both financially and professionally.

When answering this question, share specific instances where you were responsible for financial reporting in a startup setting. Highlight your understanding of GAAP compliance, how you ensured accurate month-end close processes, and any significant financial insights you provided that influenced business decisions.

Discuss your method for creating budgets, including gathering input from different departments and using historical data to inform your forecasts. Emphasize the importance of flexibility in your forecasting process to adapt to changing business needs, while also ensuring accuracy and alignment with the company’s financial goals.

Be specific about the financial systems you have experience with, such as NetSuite or QuickBooks, and explain how these tools improved your efficiency in reporting. Share examples of how automation and data accuracy were positively impacted by these systems.

Explain your investigative process for identifying and resolving discrepancies in financial reports. Your answer should demonstrate your attention to detail, analytical skills, and commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy in all financial documents.

Here, focus on your communication skills. Discuss how you tailored your presentation to ensure that the audience could understand the financial information, perhaps by using visuals or simplified terminology. Highlight the outcome and any positive feedback received.

Identify several KPIs you would track as a Finance Manager, such as cash flow, profit margins, return on investment, and accounts receivable turnover. Explain why each of these metrics is important for guiding financial strategy and decision-making.

Detail your time management skills and methodologies for prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Mention tools or frameworks, such as calendars or task management software, that you use to stay organized in a high-pressure setting.

Outline your approach to staying informed about the latest tax regulations relevant to your role. Discuss methods you use to ensure compliance, such as regular audits of financial documents and collaborating with tax professionals.

Discuss your leadership style and ways you mentor or guide team members. Provide examples of how you foster collaboration in financial planning and reporting efforts to encourage a team-oriented approach to achieving financial success.

Share your passion for education and technology, and how you believe strong financial management can support the mission of an EdTech startup like SAM Labs. Convey your enthusiasm for contributing to a company that has a positive impact on education worldwide.