About this Financial Operations Associate role at Protege
Company Overview:
We are building Protege to solve the biggest unmet need in AI — getting access to the right training data. The process today is time intensive, incredibly expensive, and often ends in failure. The Protege platform facilitates the secure, efficient, and privacy-centric exchange of AI training data.
Solving AI’s data problem is a generational opportunity. We’re backed by world-class investors and already powering partnerships with some of the most ambitious teams in AI. The company that succeeds will be one of the largest in AI — and in tech.
We’re a lean, fast-moving, high-trust team of builders who are obsessed with velocity and impact. Our culture is built for people who thrive on ambiguity, own outcomes, and want to shape the future of data and AI.
We're hiring a Finance Operations Associate to help keep Protege's financial operations running smoothly as we scale.
This person will own core accounts payable and accounts receivable workflows, coordinate vendor payments, support collections, and help maintain accurate cash tracking and reporting. You'll work closely with the Controller and CFO to ensure financial obligations are executed accurately and on time while providing excellent support to both internal stakeholders and external partners.
This is a high-ownership role for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and excited to build processes in a fast-moving environment.
What You'll Do
Manage accounts payable and vendor payment workflows
Generate customer invoices and support collections efforts
Prepare domestic and international wire transfers for Controller/CFO approval
Serve as a primary point of contact for vendor payment inquiries
Assist with cash tracking and short-term cash flow reporting
Maintain accurate financial records across systems and spreadsheets
Identify opportunities to improve finance processes and controls
What Success Looks Like
30 Days
Successfully assume AP, invoicing, and vendor communication responsibilities
Understand current cash management and payment workflows
Build familiarity with key vendors and financial systems
60 Days
Independently manage payment operations and collections processes
Provide reliable cash tracking and reporting support
Become a trusted resource for vendor and internal finance questions
90 Days
Own day-to-day finance operations with minimal oversight
Improve operational efficiency and reporting processes
Deliver consistent accuracy and reliability across all finance workflows
What You Bring
Strong Excel and Google Sheets skills
Experience working with accounting systems or ERPs
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
Strong communication and follow-through
Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment
Nice to Have
2+ years of accounting, finance operations, AP/AR, or bookkeeping experience OR undergraduate degree in Finance or Accounting
Startup experience
Cash management or treasury exposure
Experience with QuickBooks, Campfire, Ramp, or similar tools
Protege Values
Pass the Loved Ones’ Test
We act with integrity and do the right thing — especially when it’s hard and no one is watching.
Always Find a Way
We are resourceful, resilient builders who solve hard problems and push through obstacles.
Go Fast and Grow Fast
Velocity matters. We move with urgency, learn quickly, and continuously improve as individuals and as a company.
Practice Kindness and Candor
We communicate directly and respectfully, building trust through honest feedback and genuine care for one another.
Deliver Together
We win as one team. Collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership drive our success.
Own the Outcome. Hone the Craft.
We take pride in our work, sweat the details, and continuously raise the bar for excellence.