Finance Lead (Contract to Hire)

ABOUT US

Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.

Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here https://astera.org/vision/.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for a mission- and culturally-aligned finance leader to cover our Controller's planned leave of absence and own Astera's finance function end-to-end during that period. This is a contract role with a defined term. Depending on our needs and how the engagement goes, this role has the potential to convert to a permanent role owning FP&A and finance operations.

The engagement runs from September 2026 through June 2027. We intend to start ahead of the leave to allow for a substantial overlap and handoff with the Controller, so you'll build deep context before taking the reins. During the coverage period, you'll own accounting, treasury, compliance, and FP&A, with one direct report (an Accounting Manager).

Astera has doubled to 100 FTEs since December 2025 and projects growth to 300 by the end of 2027. As we scale, we anticipate a permanent, expanded finance leadership need. If the fit is right on both sides, this role is well-positioned to convert into full ownership of FP&A and finance operations—partnering with investment, operations, and programs leadership to manage the end-to-end budgets and grants behind our 30 inte...