Handshake is building the future of human data for AI.
We partner directly with top AI labs to power large language model (LLM) training and evaluation with high-quality, expert-generated data. As AI models become more sophisticated, the demand for specialized human input continues to grow—and Handshake is uniquely positioned to meet it. We power career platforms at 92% of the top U.S. universities, giving us direct access to verified expert talent across a wide range of domains.
Our AI team is rapidly building a new generation of human data products—from expert annotation platforms to AI interviewers and seamless payout infrastructure—all designed to accelerate research and improve model performance.
We’ve assembled a world-class team from YC, Notion, Scale, Coinbase, Palantir, and more, and we’re working directly with many of the world’s leading AI research labs. This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-growing team shaping the future of AI through better data, better tools, and better systems—for experts, by experts.
Handshake AI is hiring a Finance Projects Lead reporting to the Controller. In this role you will manage and improve the systems and processes involved in payments to Handshake AI fellows and specialists, including onboarding, contract management, incentives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as Product, Engineering, and Accounting. The position also involves supporting customer and project operations by maintaining revenue and profitability reporting, streamlining finance systems, and overseeing customer billing. Additionally, the role plays a key part collaborating with corporate accounting, FP&A and core business operations on budget, key metrics and forecasting process. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys establishing new processes and building workflows, is able to adapt quickly, and can collaborate and plan with various cross-functional stakeholders.
Location: San Francisco, CA | 5 days/week in-office
Design and implement payment-related procedures, policies, and internal controls, including contractor onboarding, contract management, and payment accuracy reviews
Lead systems projects for revenue tracking, customer billing and finance integration
Collaborate with Accounting and Operations teams, to ensure timely and accurate contractor payments execution
Maintain and design contractor incentives payment processes
Work with Support and Marketing teams to improve fellows’ experience and external communications
Manage weekly and monthly reporting on project revenue and profitability metrics
Partner with product/engineering teams on pay-related and project tracking product enhancements
Collaborate with corporate Accounting, FP&A, and Business Operations on budgeting, forecasting, and BVA reviews; develop dashboards and prepare management/BOD review materials
Support financial model updates, review key metrics and new arrangements. Work with financial reporting team to establish and monitor revenue recognition policies and customer arrangement changes
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field, relevant certifications (such CPA) preferred
Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years in finance, accounting, or project management, with a proven track record of managing complex financial projects
Project Management: Strong project planning, execution, and monitoring skills; ability to deliver projects on time, within scope, and on budget
Financial Analysis: Expertise in financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting; ability to analyze financial data and provide actionable insights
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with stakeholders, preparing reports, and presenting findings
Collaboration: Ability to work cross-functionally with teams such as Accounting, Operations, and Product to align project objectives with business goals
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and project management tools; familiarity with financial software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle) is a plus
Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail for accurate financial documentation and reporting
Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead project teams, manage workstream leads, and drive accountability for project deliverables
At Handshake, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.
Benefits below apply to US employees in full-time positions.
Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.
16 Weeks of paid parental leave for birth giving parents & 10 weeks of paid parental leave for non-birth giving parents.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision policies including LGTBQ+ Coverage. We also provide resources for Mental Health Assistance, Employee Assistance Programs and counseling support.
Generous learning & development opportunities and an annual $2,000 stipend for you to grow your skills and career.
Financial coaching through Origin to help you through your financial journey.
Monthly internet stipend and a brand new MacBook to allow you to do your best work.
Monthly commuter stipend for you to expense your travel to the office (for office-based employees).
Free lunch provided 5x a week across all offices.
️ Free gym access in San Francisco office building.
Referral bonus to reward you when you bring great talent to Handshake.
Team outings throughout the year to stay connected to each other.
401k Match: Handshake offers a dollar-for-dollar match on 1% of deferred salary, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.
All full-time US-based Handshakers are eligible for our flexible time off policy to get out and see the world. In addition, we offer 13 standardized holidays, and 2 additional days of flexible holiday time off. Lastly, we have a Winter #ShakeBreak, a one-week period of Collective Time Off.
Handshake offers $500 home office stipend for you to spend during your first 3 months to create a productive and comfortable workspace at home.
Family support: Parental leave coaching and support provided by Parentaly. We partner with Maven Clinic to provide a lifetime coverage up to $15K for expenses related to fertility and family forming!
Lifestyle Savings Account: We offer you an annual stipend of $500 to use for purchases such as fitness classes, gym memberships, work-from-home setup, and more.
Looking for more? Explore our mission, values and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.
Handshake is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation, please let your recruiter know during initial communications.
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