Director of Finance

Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid) What is Verse?  Energy markets are more volatile than ever. Rapid electrification and the rise of AI are driving unprecedented demand for power, while energy costs continue to rise across the globe. For the world’s largest energy buyers, managing energy has never been more complex or more critical. Verse helps these organizations manage complex power portfolios with confidence by unifying energy data, planning, forecasting, and operations in one tool. Our Energy Cost Intelligence platform,  Aria , brings together energy, finance, and operations teams with real-time, finance-ready intelligence—replacing spreadsheets and consultants with precision across the entire energy lifecycle. Built by an expert team of energy buyers, data scientists, and engineers, Verse enables faster, smarter energy decisions that reduce risk and lower energy costs. The Role Verse is seeking a Director of Finance to build and lead the company’s finance function as we scale. This person will own the day-to-day financial operations of the business, including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial planning and analysis, audit support, compliance, reporting, and finance-related processes. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can bring structure, discipline, and reliability to the finance function while operating in a fast-moving startup environment. You will work closely with the CEO, leadership team, external accountants, auditors, tax advisors, and other partners to ensure Verse has accurate financial reporting, strong operating processes, and clear visibility into business performance. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable both doing the work directly and building scalable processes over time. Key Responsibilities Own Finance Operations: Lead the day-to-day finance function across accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, expense management, banking workflows, and financial reporting. Oversee Accounting and Close: Manage the monthly close process, ensure accurate books and records, coordinate with external accounting partners, and improve close timelines, controls, and documentation. Manage Accounts Payable and Receivable: Oversee vendor payments, customer invoicing, collections, payment tracking, and related processes to ensure financial operations run smoothly and reliably. Lead FP&A and Budgeting: Support budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cash planning, departmental spend tracking, and financial reporting for the CEO and leadership team. Support Audits and Financial Diligence: Respond to audit requests, investor diligence, customer/vendor financial reviews, tax requests, insurance requests, and other finance-related information needs. Own Financial Filings and Compliance Support: Coordinate required financial filings, tax support, state and local compliance items, and documentation in partnership with external advisors. Improve Systems and Processes: Build scalable finance processes, reporting structures, approval workflows, and internal controls appropriate for a growing startup. Partner Cross-Functionally: Work with leadership, sales, customer, and operations teams to support contracts, billing, renewals, procurement, hiring plans, and operating decisions. Provide Clear Financial Visibility: Deliver accurate, timely, and actionable financial reporting so leadership understands revenue, cash, burn, runway, margins, expenses, and key operating metrics. What We’re Looking For (Minimum Qualifications) 7+ years of experience in finance, accounting, FP&A, controllership, or related roles Experience owning or materially supporting finance operations at a startup or high-growth company Strong understanding of accounting, monthly close, AP, AR, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting Ability to operate hands-on while also improving systems, processes, and controls Experience working with external accountants, auditors, tax advisors, payroll providers, banks, and/or compliance partners Strong financial modeling and analytical skills, including Excel or Google Sheets Clear communication skills and the ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders High attention to detail, strong ownership mindset, and comfort operating in a fast-moving environment Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience What Will Make You Standout (Preferred Qualifications) Experience as an early finance hire or finance leader at a venture-backed startup Experience in SaaS, software, energy, or infrastructure-related businesses Familiarity with ARR, bookings, revenue recognition, gross margin, burn, runway, and SaaS operating metrics Experience with QuickBooks, NetSuite, payroll systems, or similar finance tools Experience supporting board reporting, investor reporting, or fundraising diligence CPA, public accounting, audit, or controllership background Experience building lightweight internal controls and finance approval processes What makes Verse a great place to work?  Lead with Empathy: We lift each other up with humility and kindness, always putting colleagues and customers first Be Honest & Transparent: We prioritize effective communication to build trust with our team, customers, and stakeholders Move with Balance & Precision: We believe speed and perseverance must be accompanied by thoughtfulness and reflection Leave the World a Better Place: We are passionate about our mission, and we strive to create a sustainable world for future generations Base Pay Range $160,000-$210,000 This is the estimated base salary range for this position, which does not include the value of benefits or a potential equity grant. A wide range of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to