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Job Analysis:
The Vice President of Strategic Finance at Affirm is fundamentally hired to steer the company’s financial planning and analysis function with a strong focus on driving strategic growth and operational efficiency. This senior role centers on developing and maintaining sophisticated financial models and forecasts that inform critical executive decisions around growth, spending, hiring, and loan operations within a fast-growing, regulated fintech environment. The VP must master cross-functional collaboration, working closely with product, commercial, and technology teams to ensure financial plans align with broader company roadmaps. Success demands not only sharp technical proficiency in FP&A, lending P&L, and debt capital markets, but also the ability to distill complex financial insights into clear guidance for senior leaders. Essential qualifications reflect the importance of seasoned expertise—15+ years in demanding finance roles (e.g., investment banking, PE, VC, prior FP&A in late-stage or public companies)—enabling the candidate to handle ambiguity, rapidly shifting priorities, and high regulatory scrutiny. Managing and mentoring a high-performing team is critical, underscoring the role’s leadership dimension. Key challenges include balancing aggressive growth ambitions with responsible spending, navigating regulatory complexities, and fostering alignment and trust across stakeholders. Performance will likely be measured by the accuracy and strategic relevance of financial forecasts, successful budget adherence, growth in lending/product profitability, and strong team execution within the first year.
Company Analysis:
Affirm occupies a disruptive and innovative position within the financial technology sector, dedicated to transforming credit by making it more transparent and consumer-friendly. As a remote-first, technology-driven company, Affirm values agility, innovation, and customer-centric principles deeply embedded in its culture. This environment fosters a fast-paced, dynamic workplace that demands both creativity and rigor—particularly as the company operates in a highly regulated, competitive market. For someone stepping into the VP of Strategic Finance role, this means being comfortable working at the intersection of technology, finance, and compliance while helping shape product and commercial strategies through data-driven insights. The company’s emphasis on transparency and honesty suggests a culture that prioritizes integrity and open communication, which would impact how finance leaders build relationships with cross-functional partners and senior leadership. Strategically, this is a pivotal hire supporting Affirm’s scaling efforts, ensuring that financial stewardship and business investments are tightly aligned with ambitious growth targets and evolving market conditions. The position reports into senior finance leadership and likely interfaces regularly with executives and the board, highlighting the visibility and influence afforded to the right candidate. Affirm’s commitment to comprehensive benefits and inclusivity also signals a supportive environment that values wellbeing and diversity, important for long-term retention and team cohesion.