Cellsense - Head of Finance & Operations at 43North – New York, New York

About Cellsense:
Cellsense transforms algae and cellulose into sustainable beads and beaded fabrics for the fashion, jewelry, and beauty industries. Cellsense’s proprietary material replaces sources of microplastics and heavy metal pollution while offering designers a wide range of brilliant colors, clarities, and properties such as fluorescence. Our automated manufacturing system cuts lead time of customized beaded products from weeks to days by eliminating expensive tooling and tedious manual labor from conventional processes. We’re venture-backed, have over 50 inbound brand requests, and are now moving from R&D to our first pilot production line. You will join us at an exciting stage of our growth.
The Role:
Working closely with Cellsense’s CEO, the Head of Finance & Operations will be a critical member. This role oversees finance, HR, and operational functions, ensuring strong financial stewardship, compliant operations, and efficient internal systems as the company scales.
Responsibilities:

• Financial oversight and management of operations.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Own the month-end close and day-to-day accounting, payroll, and compliance using QuickBooks, NetSuite or similar.
• Build long-term financial models to guide growth strategy and capital allocation.
• Partner with the CEO on fundraising: refine data rooms, prepare financial materials for pitch decks, and drive investor communications.
• Contribute to grant writing and compliance.
• Help translate our 50+ inbound brand requests into revenue by negotiating LOIs, structuring pricing, and closing purchase agreements.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business.
• 5+ years of professional experience in finance and operations, ideally with startup experience scaling from seed to Series A.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, cleantech or similar operationally complex or capital-intensive environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close processes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects concurrently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and reporting.
• Strong network in VC/PE, with ability to leverage relationships for business growth.

What We Offer:

• Compensation range: $90,000 - $130,000 per year + equity
• Hands-on role and ownership.
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Part of a tightly knit team aiming to make a meaningful impact.

Apply:
If you’re action-oriented and thrive in a startup environment, we’d love to hear from you. Send your resume and a note on why you’re excited about scaling bio-materials to nick@43north.org and copy hiring@cellsense.bio.
CompensationThe base pay range for this role is $90,000 – $130,000 per year.