Strategic Finance Lead chez Promise

Company Overview

Promise modernizes how government agencies and utilities support people in financial difficulty. We build technology that makes it simple for residents to receive benefits, engage with assistance programs, set up flexible payment plans, and stay on track—while helping agencies increase efficiency, recover revenue, and deliver services with dignity. Our mission is to transform public systems so they work better for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

Our team includes experts from companies like Palantir, Google, Stripe , and esteemed government leaders. We work hard and believe deeply in what we do. We're looking for excellent people to build innovative, resilient technology.

Backed by over $50 million in funding from top investors – such as Reid Hoffman, Howard Schultz, Michael Seibel, Y Combinator, 8VC, The General Partnership, First Round Capital, Kapor Capital, XYZ Ventures, and Bronze Investments – Promise has been recognized as one of Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative Companies of 2022,” “Forbes Next Billion-Dollar Startups 2024,” and Y Combinator’s #1 GovTech startup.

Role Overview

As the Strategic Finance Lead at Promise, you’ll play a critical role in shaping our financial strategy, operating model, and decision-making as we scale. You’ll partner closely with the CFO and cross-functional leaders across Sales, Delivery, and Engineering to ensure that our financial plans align with company goals and long-term growth.

This is both a strategic and hands-on role: you’ll develop and maintain the company’s operating model, support investor communications, prepare board and fundraising materials, and drive thinking cross-functionally to connect strategy to execution.

You’ll serve as the connective tissue between Finance and the business - translating data into insight, and insight into action.

What You’ll Do

• Own the operating model: Build, maintain, and continuously improve Promise’s financial and operational model to support planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis.

• Drive financial strategy: Partner with the CFO to develop, manage and execute on quarterly and annual goals, capital plans, and long-term growth strategies.

• Lead reporting: Manage internal and external reporting, including monthly performance reviews, board materials, investor updates, and key business metrics.

• Support fundraising: Prepare materials, models, and analysis for future fundraising efforts, including investor diligence and scenario planning.

• Partner cross-functionally: Work with Sales, Delivery, Operations, Product and Engineering teams to align forecasts and execution.

• Enable decision-making: Conduct research, financial analysis, and business case development to guide strategic priorities and new initiatives.

• Lead with ownership: Roll up your sleeves to solve problems, improve systems, and make sure our numbers-and our story-are always accurate and actionable.

What Will Help You Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field (MBA a plus).

• 5+ years of experience in strategic finance, FP&A, or investment banking, ideally within a startup or technology environment.

• Strong modeling skills and proficiency with Google Sheets or Excel; experience building three statement financial models and forecasts.

• Excellent understanding of SaaS metrics and revenue drivers.

• Ability to connect financial analysis to business strategy and communicate insights clearly to executives and investors.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Who Thrives at Promise

You’ll love it here if:

• You are energized by big, complex challenges and the opportunity to solve them.

• You want your work to have a real, measurable impact on people’s lives.

• You take ownership and run toward problems, not away from them.

• You value clear, candid, and constructive communication.

Promise is not for you if:

• You prefer hierarchy and rigid structures. We operate with freedom and responsibility.

• You are uncomfortable with change. We move fast, adapt often, and expect agility.

• You want a typical corporate culture. We are mission-driven, ambitious, and direct.

• You believe efficiency means “doing less.” We believe efficiency means doing better.

Benefits and Work Environment

At Promise, we invest in our team’s well-being, growth, and sense of ownership.

• Equity for All: All full-time employees receive stock options to share in our company’s success.

• 100% Paid Health Coverage: We cover 100% of base medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their dependents.

• Hybrid Work: We collaborate in office at least three days a week to stay connected and aligned as a team.

Please note: Benefits are reviewed periodically and may be updated at the sole discretion of Promise.

Promise is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or military or veteran status. Additionally, the Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates. Promise is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws.

Promise engages in US government contracts and restricts hiring to US persons, which includes US citizens and permanent residents (e.g., Green Card holders). Additionally, candidates must reside in the US.