What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Finance position at ZOLA Electric?
About ZOLA Electric
ALWAYS PAMOJA : We are one global team with one mission – Energy Equality through Enterprise Technology. ZOLA Electric is solving one of the world’s most pressing challenges : providing reliable, affordable, and smart power to nearly 3 billion people and businesses globally who lack energy access. Our enterprise technology platform enables energy providers to build and manage last mile distributed power grids in emerging markets, transforming the way electricity is delivered worldwide. We deliver the ZOLA Effect to our enterprise customers, allowing them to scale rapidly, efficiently, profitably while driving Energy Equality across their countries. We are a fast-moving, resource-conscious company operating across four continents. If you are ambitious, hands-on, and eager to drive financial excellence in a lean, high-growth environment, we want you on our team.
About the Role
ZOLA Electric is looking for an strategic and execution-driven Head of Finance to lead and optimize our finance function across global operations. This role is critical to ensuring our company operates efficiently, maintains strong financial discipline, and is well-positioned for future growth. This role is ideal for an ambitious finance leader with 7-12 years of experience who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments and is willing to be stretched. As the Head of Finance, you will oversee all financial operations, including cash controls, forecasting, budgeting, compliance, and managing our offshore finance team. This role requires someone who is resourceful and highly analytical, with the ability to implement efficient financial processes and reporting systems using existing tools—without reliance on new software investments. Beyond daily operations, this role provides a unique growth opportunity to gain exposure to corporate finance, CARE Capital, and capital-raising strategies as the company expands. You’ll work directly with the CEO and leadership team to drive key financial decisions that impact our company’s global footprint. If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on startup environment where you can own financial strategy and execution, this is the perfect role for you.
Responsibilities
- Financial Operations Management & Controls
- Implement and maintain rigorous cash controls, ensuring financial discipline across AR / AP, FP&A, and compliance.
- Optimize and refine existing finance systems to improve operational efficiency while reducing costs.
- Establish and enforce internal financial controls and compliance frameworks to mitigate risk.
- Oversee cash flow management, ensuring sufficient liquidity to support business operations and strategic initiatives.
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Develop and execute budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes that enable data-driven decision-making.
- Provide timely and accurate financial analysis to support leadership in strategic planning.
- Manage financial reporting processes to ensure visibility into performance, risks, and opportunities.
- Work closely with the CEO on all capital allocation efforts and decisions including pricing, S&OP, product roadmap, and other key capital decisions
- Team Leadership & Global Finance Operations
- Lead and develop a distributed finance team, including offshore finance operations.
- Drive alignment across cross-functional teams to ensure effective financial planning and execution.
- Ensure compliance with global financial regulations, tax requirements, and reporting obligations.
- Strategic Finance & Growth (Development Opportunity)
- Gain exposure to corporate finance, CARE Capital, and capital-raising strategies as a growth opportunity.
- Support investment decisions and debt / equity financing efforts.
- Partner with the CEO to develop long-term financial strategies that align with company goals.
Qualifications
Work Environment & Expectations
Location : San Mateo (In office minimum Monday through Thursday)
Hours : Non-standard working hours are required (early mornings for global coordination).
The Head of Finance will be expected to work closely with leadership, drive financial discipline, and play a key role in shaping the company’s financial strategy.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation : Competitive salary within budget constraints, strong equity program
Global Exposure : Work with a team across multiple international markets.
Growth Opportunities : Hands-on experience in corporate finance, capital raising, and strategic financial planning.