About this role
About Us:Modal provides the infrastructure foundation for AI teams. With instant GPU access, sub-second container startups, and native storage, Modal makes it simple to train models, run batch jobs, and serve low-latency inference. We have thousands of customers who rely on us for production AI workloads, including Lovable, Scale AI, Substack, and Suno.
We're a fast-growing team based out of NYC, SF, and Stockholm. We've hit 9-figure ARR and recently raised a Series B at a $1.1B valuation. Our investors include Lux Capital, Redpoint Ventures, Amplify Partners, and Elad Gil.
Working at Modal means joining one of the fastest-growing AI infrastructure organizations at an early stage, with many opportunities to grow within the company. Our team includes creators of popular open-source projects (e.g. Seaborn, Luigi), academic researchers, international olympiad medalists, and experienced engineering and product leaders with decades of experience.
The Role: We're hiring a VP of Finance to build the finance function from the ground up as our first full-time finance hire. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. We are looking for someone who can architect the systems and processes that will scale with Modal, partner closely with the founders and executive team, and grow into the company's CFO. You'll report directly to the CEO and collaborate closely with our BizOps, GTM, and Product teams. In this role, you will:
Build and maintain Modal's operating model, tying financial performance to company KPIs and resource allocation
Lead all budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes, and develop the reporting infrastructure that gives leadership and the board clear, timely visibility into the health of the business
Partner with the founders on fundraising strategy, future funding rounds, and investor relations, including financial modeling and data room preparation
Think creatively about capital structure to optimize our balance sheet as we scale
Build the finance team and systems from scratch, making smart decisions about what to build vs. buy vs. outsource
Oversee accounting operations, financial close, and reporting in partnership with our Controller and external providers
Ensure sound revenue recognition policies and maintain audit-readiness as the company scales
Serve as a strategic thought partner to our BizOps, GTM, and Product teams on pricing, headcount planning, unit economics, and product investment decisions
Requirements:10+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role at a high-growth technology company
Proven experience building or significantly scaling a finance function, including systems, processes, and team
Deep FP&A and operating model expertise, with strong command of SaaS and infrastructure business metrics
Experience supporting companies through venture fundraising rounds and managing institutional investor relationships
Strong grasp of revenue recognition principles under ASC 606, particularly in usage-based or consumption-driven business models
Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally and influence decisions across the organization
Ability to work in-person in our NYC office
Bonus:
Experience with usage-based or consumption pricing models
Experience in product-led growth (PLG) businesses
SQL proficiency and comfort working directly with data