Chief of Staff / Head of Strategy & Finance

About Us:

The wholesale distribution industry is ripe for a revolution, and Proton is leading the charge. Distributors are essential to the global economy, but this massive sector has been left behind in terms of technology. Proton is changing that with AI-powered CRM software that delivers a 10x ROI, faster new hire ramp-up, and higher sales team satisfaction.

In 2021, we raised $20M in a Series A round led by Felicis Ventures (investors in Twitch, Shopify, Opendoor) and Battery Ventures. This year, we're laser-focused on scaling customer growth and driving operational excellence. If you’re excited about joining a company where you can wear multiple hats, drive strategy, and learn continuously, Proton is the place for you.

About the Role:

Proton is looking for a Chief of Staff / Head of Strategy & Finance to partner with the CEO and leadership team to drive strategic initiatives and oversee financial operations. This is a high-impact, cross-functional leadership role where you will directly influence the direction of the company, ensure operational excellence, and oversee all finance-related functions. You will help shape priorities, drive financial planning, and ensure Proton is positioned for sustained growth.

This is a hybrid role based in the greater Boston area (Kendall Square).

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Act as a thought partner to the CEO, helping to shape and refine Proton’s long-term strategy.
• Lead company-wide initiatives and projects that drive key outcomes and growth targets.
• Develop and implement KPIs and OKRs to ensure the leadership team is aligned and executing on top priorities.
• Lead competitive analysis and market research to inform business strategy.
• Drive the creation and execution of key operational processes to scale the business.
• Lead strategic initiatives such as exploring new markets, product expansions, or partnerships.
• Prepare board and investor materials and present key financial and strategic insights.

Financial Strategy & Operations

• Oversee all aspects of financial planning and analysis (FP&A), including creating and maintaining budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Prepare monthly budget vs. actuals reports and track key SaaS metrics (e.g., ARR, NDR, LTV).
• Develop financial models to support decision-making, board presentations, and fundraising efforts.
• Ensure financial compliance, including revenue recognition, bookkeeping, month close, and accounts payable.
• Manage the company's variable compensation and commission calculations.
• Administer company financial systems, including bank accounts, credit cards, and billing operations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for corporate tax, sales tax, and R&D tax credits.

Operational Excellence

• Optimize internal processes to improve efficiency and support Proton’s growth.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of strategic goals.
• Oversee administrative HR operations, including employee onboarding, payroll, and compliance with employment laws.
• Maintain and update the company’s capitalization table in coordination with legal counsel.

Your Qualities:

• Strategic & Financial Expertise: You have a consulting background combined with strong financial acumen, including experience with FP&A, financial modeling, and reporting.
• Operationally Minded: You excel at implementing processes that drive efficiency and scale in fast-paced environments.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: You thrive in dynamic settings and are excited about working in a startup where priorities shift, and you're often tasked with solving new challenges.
• Data-Driven: You leverage data to guide decision-making and can adapt strategies based on insights.
• Leadership & Influence: You are a natural leader who can inspire teams and rally them around a shared vision.
• Strong Communicator: You can distill complex financial and strategic concepts into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation & Equity: We offer top-of-market salaries and equity ownership to make you feel like an integral part of Proton’s success.
• Unlimited PTO & Paid Holidays: Recharge when needed—your well-being is key to your success.
• 401k with Employer Contribution: We contribute up to 3% of your salary to ensure you’re planning for the future.
• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Full medical, dental, and vision coverage in the U.S., with premium international plans.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of fully paid leave for both primary and secondary caregivers, including adoption and fostering.
• Company Off-Sites: Regular off-site meetings to foster team collaboration and innovation.