Jobright- Finance Lead

About the Institute of Foundation Models
We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing
foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.
As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the core of cutting-edge
foundation model training, alongside world-class researchers, data scientists, and
engineers, tackling the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI development.
You will participate in the development of groundbreaking AI solutions that have the
potential to reshape entire industries. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills
will be instrumental in establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for high-performance
computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire the next.

Position Summary
We are hiring our first dedicated finance professional to build and own our finance
operations from the ground up. This is a hands-on role where you will manage day-to-
day financial activities while establishing the systems and processes needed to scale.
In the near term, you’ll work within largely manual workflows (AP, expenses, tracking),
with a clear mandate to audit, improve, and transition these into automated systems.
You’ll also partner with external accounting and tax advisors to support more complex
areas such as international payroll (shadow payroll) and equity tracking. This role is
ideal for someone who enjoys both execution (operating in the details), while building
structure for the future.

Key Responsibilities
Finance Operations & Administration
● Manage accounts payable, invoice processing, and expense reimbursements
● Maintain vendor records, including W-9s and payment details
● Track and organize all financial activity in structured systems (initially spreadsheet-
based)
● Support day-to-day financial operations, including credit card tracking and receipt
collection

Payroll & Compliance
● Coordinate and execute domestic payroll, ensuring accuracy in withholdings and
reporting
● Partner with external tax/accounting advisors on international payroll and shadow
payroll requirements
● Maintain proper documentation to support compliance across jurisdictions

Budgeting & Financial Reporting

● Track monthly budget vs. actuals and highlight key variances
● Support cash flow tracking and runway forecasting
● Build and maintain reporting frameworks to improve financial visibility

Equity & Compensation Tracking
● Maintain records for phantom stock programs, including vesting schedules and eligibility
● Support cap table or equity tracking processes, ensuring accuracy and audit readiness
Banking & Treasury
● Research and help establish business banking infrastructure (e.g., Mercury, Brex,
traditional banks)
● Coordinate account setup and required documentation (EIN, incorporation docs, etc.)
● Administer company cards, implement spending controls, and ensure accurate tracking
of transactions
Systems & Process Improvement
● Audit existing manual workflows and identify areas for improvement
● Lead the transition to scalable financial systems (e.g., ERP, payroll, expense
management tools) within the first 6 months
● Establish processes that reduce risk and improve accuracy across finance operations

Qualifications
Education
● Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
● CPA or CMA (or progress toward certification) is required
Professional Experience
● 5+ years of experience in finance, accounting, or operations
● Experience managing core finance processes (AP, payroll coordination, expense
management)
● Experience working with external accountants, payroll providers, or tax advisors
● Exposure to building or improving financial processes or systems is strongly preferred
Core Skills & Knowledge
● Strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP, accrual accounting)
● Familiarity with payroll processes, tax withholdings, and compliance fundamentals
● Awareness of international payroll concepts (e.g., shadow payroll) is a plus, but not
required to have owned end-to-end
● High proficiency in Excel and comfort working in manual or early-stage environments
● Ability to calculate and track financial elements such as budgets, reimbursements, and vesting schedules

What We’re Looking For
● A builder mindset with the ability to create structure in ambiguous environments
● Strong attention to detail and ownership over high-risk, high-impact work
● Ability to balance hands-on execution with process improvement
● Collaborative approach, with comfort working cross-functionally and with external
partners
● Interest in growing into a more strategic finance role over time