Chief Financial Officer (San Francisco)

Role : Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location : United States (remote / hybrid as required)

Reports to : Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors

Basis : Full-time

About Zetaris

Zetaris is a data analytics company that enables businesses to query and analyse data across multiple sources in real time without needing to move or replicate data. By connecting directly to structured and unstructured data, Zetaris helps organisations reduce costs, simplify integration, and accelerate insights. The platform supports AI and advanced analytics, while ensuring data security and governance. Zetaris is particularly valuable for enterprises facing data silos, as it enables seamless access and collaboration across cloud, on-premise, and hybrid environments, empowering faster decision-making and improving business outcomes.

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a critical executive leadership role in a fast-growing data analytics business operating across Australia and the United States. As the companys sole finance executive, the CFO must be highly hands-on, proactive, and capable of independently managing the full spectrum of financial, legal, tax, human resources, and corporate governance responsibilities. This role requires exceptional financial acumen, a strong understanding of multi-currency and international business operations, and the ability to collaborate closely with the Board on corporate strategy.

The CFO is responsible for leading financial planning, transactional accounting, regulatory compliance, risk management, process improvement, and strategic financial leadership. In addition, the CFO serves as Company Secretary, Public Officer, and Director of subsidiary entities, ensuring compliance with corporate governance requirements and shareholder obligations. The role also acts as a key shareholder liaison and manages relationships with external advisors including auditors, lawyers, tax professionals, and regulators.

Key Responsibilities

Board, Investor & Shareholder Engagement

Manage fundraising processes, investor relations, road-show activities, including document preparation, execution, and cap table updates.

Prepare board reports and financial updates; act as the key contact for investors and shareholders.

Provide clear, concise communication of financial performance, risks, and opportunities to senior stakeholders.

Financial Management & Accounting

Manage all day-to-day finance and accounting processes across Australia and the United States.

Oversee transactional accounting, including coding of customer and supplier invoices, journals, reconciliations, and month-end close.

Preparation of customer invoices & chase outstanding trade debtors.

Maintain and optimise the accounting software package to ensure accurate reporting and compliance.

Manage bank accounts, credit cards, and treasury activities, including cash flow forecasting.

Prepare monthly, and annual financial reports for the CEO and Board.

Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and scenario analysis to support business decision-making.

Establish and maintain robust financial controls, processes, and reporting standards.

Taxation & Compliance

Ensure compliance with Australian and US corporate tax requirements, including preparation and lodgement of tax returns.

Manage indirect taxes : GST, Payroll Tax, US Sales tax, and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).

Serve as Public Officer of the Australian entity.

Calculate and lodge the Australian Research & Development (R&D) Tax Incentive claims.

Ensure employment taxes, payroll tax, and leave accruals are correctly managed.

Oversee regulatory compliance and ensure adherence to all statutory reporting deadlines.

Payroll & Human Resources

Manage payroll operations for Australian and US employees, including superannuation and benefits administration.

Oversee all HR functions across both regions, including policy development, employment contracts, performance management, and compliance with local employment law.

Maintain leave recording systems and support workforce planning.

Prepare benchmarking analysis of new global roles & positions.

Ensure performance levels of US Employer of Record supplier.

Legal, Corporate Governance & Risk Management

Act as Company Secretary for the head company and shareholder trust company, ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards.

Prepare and distribute Board packs, take meeting minutes, and maintain corporate records.

Ensure adherence to the shareholder deed and maintain the companys capitalisation table.

Director of subsidiary companies.

Draft, maintain, and review legal agreement templates for customers and suppliers in Australia and the United States.

Liaise with external legal counsel / advisors on global contracts, disputes, or compliance issues.

Arrange execution of fundraising documents and manage investor relations.

Oversee company insurances, including corporate, workers compensation, keyman, cyber, and directors & officers coverage.

Commercial & Strategic Leadership

Collaborate with the Board and CEO on financial strategy, growth planning, and commercial decision-making.

Conduct competitive pricing analysis of software and services; prepare commercial pricing proposals for prospective customers.

Negotiate financial terms with customers, suppliers, and service providers.

Support international expansion through tax structuring, compliance, and operational setup.

Assess and manage service levels of external travel management and vendor relationships.

Drive continuous improvement across finance, operations, and business processes to ensure scalability and efficiency.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Education & Professional Background

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field (Masters or MBA preferred).

Professional accounting qualification (CA / CPA or equivalent).

10+ years experience in financial management and operations, with exposure to both Australian and US business environments.

Experience in the software, IT, or data analytics industries strongly preferred.

Proven track record of success in start-up, scale-up, or high-growth environments.

Technical Competence

Strong knowledge of multi-currency accounting and international finance.

Demonstrated experience with corporate taxation and compliance in both Australia and the United States.

Expertise in payroll, superannuation, and HR compliance.

Strong understanding of R&D Tax Incentive programs, financial modelling, and forecasting.

Proficiency in accounting and ERP software, as well as advanced Excel / financial modelling skills.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior executives, customers, and stakeholders.

Strong negotiation and relationship management skills with suppliers, investors, and customers.

High integrity, accountability, commitment to delivering results, and proven leadership skills.

Strong people leadership skills & ability to work with multi-location stakeholders.

Hands-on, independent worker with the ability to manage all finance-related tasks without additional team support.

Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a lean, fast-paced organisation.

High comfort level with ambiguity, minimal direction, change, and global operations.

Personal Attributes

Strong customer service orientation and commercial mindset.

High energy, creativity, and a demonstrated sense of urgency.

An energetic self-starter who makes informed decisions quickly and takes responsibility for outcomes.

Proven ability to influence, build trust, and manage key stakeholder relationships.

Desire to continuously improve processes and drive business efficiency.

• This role offers a unique opportunity to be a key leader in a dynamic, global data analytics business. The successful candidate will combine deep financial expertise with commercial acumen, governance capability, and entrepreneurial drive.