Director of Finance

Newlab creates the conditions for world-changing ideas to become real-world solutions. Through its community of startups, applied innovation programming, physical infrastructure, and direct investment, Newlab helps commercialize and scale the critical technologies needed to decarbonize the economy. To date, Newlab has supported over 250 member companies in raising more than $2.5B in capital from 400+ venture firms, with over $1.8B of successful exits and a collective valuation exceeding $8.5B.

This role is ideal for an individual who is a sharp and driven finance leader who thrives in ambiguity, balances long-term strategy with day-to-day execution, and wants to be the financial architect for a high-impact, mission-driven company. You’re energized by being the most senior in-house finance person without a full-time CFO above you, coordinating with our fractional CFO and internal accounting team—but truly owning it all.

You’ll be our financial engine: building robust processes, driving performance, managing cash, budgeting and forecasting, partnering across teams, and elevating the role of finance company-wide.

The primary metrics of success for this role are: (1) accurate, timely reporting and forecasting delivered to the team and leadership, (2) streamlined finance processes that reduce manual work and accelerate closes, and (3) deep financial thought partnership actively sought from the team.

This role reports to our Global VP of Operations and is based in our Brooklyn headquarters in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Own Newlab’s overall financial health: cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning
• Deeply know the numbers and key drivers of the business. Serve as the internal thought partner and external / primary point of contact for all things finance
• Manage and develop our finance team and manage external partners, instilling a culture of accountability and impact
• Partner with the VP of Operations, CEO, and functional leaders to inform decision-making and resource allocation
  
  

Reporting & Controls

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting packages for the Board, leadership, and key stakeholders
• Define and monitor critical financial KPIs (cash runway, margins, working capital, forecast accuracy) to inform executive and Board-level decision-making
• Refine and drive cadence for budget vs. actuals, department-level forecasting, and internal KPI dashboards
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting processes, and audit readiness
• Collaborate with accounting team to ensure accurate and timely books
  
  

Strategic Finance

• Lead financial modeling for growth opportunities, new locations / ventures, and pricing models across business lines
• Identify and track key financial risks and mitigation strategies
• Support expansion deal modeling and partner closely with BizOps on revenue strategy and performance analysis
• Drive capital allocation decisions that support long-term value creation
  
  

Systems & Risk

• Drive modernization of finance systems and processes to enhance scalability, automation, and real-time visibility across the organization
• Oversee enterprise risk management, ensuring robust insurance programs, fraud controls, and mitigation of currency and credit exposures
  
  

IR, Compliance & Governance

• Maintain investor relations materials, equity and cap table oversight
• Oversee tax strategy and filings in collaboration with external tax advisors and general counsel
• Ensure financial compliance across jurisdictions (US and international) with GC Support vendor contract reviews for financial accuracy and exposure with GC
  
  

Who You Are

• A proactive and hands-on leader with 8–12+ years in strategic finance, FP&A, or controller roles
• Experience leading finance at a growing, complex, multi-entity company (ideally with operating + investment arms)
• Expert at building and managing dynamic models, rolling forecasts, and scenario planning
• Confident in GAAP and financial operations fundamentals; comfortable partnering with external CPAs
• Systems-level thinker determined to grow out of spreadsheets and create a more efficient team
• Excellent communicator with an ability to influence cross-functional teams and execs
• Experience supporting or leading Board-level reporting and financial storytelling Familiarity with QuickBooks Online, Excel/Google Sheets, and modern finance tooling (e.g., Ramp, Carta, Mosaic, etc.)
  
  

Bonus Points For

• Experience with project-based or hybrid operating/investment business models
• Comfort with financial systems and light automation (e.g., Zapier, AirTable)
• Investment banking experience
• International finance experience
  
  

Compensation

• Base of 175,000-220,000
• Eligible for bonus program
• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• In-office perks