Strategy & Corporate Development Lead

About the Role

As a key member of the Finance Strategy team, the successful candidate will act as a go-to partner for senior leaders, driving rigor, clarity, and alignment across strategic financial initiatives. This role requires a unique blend of financial expertise, strategic insight, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.

The Finance Strategy team is responsible for driving the company's financial direction, and this role will be instrumental in shaping that strategy. The team works closely with various stakeholders, including Finance, Product, Legal, Risk, and Executive Leadership, to support critical business decisions.

What You Will Do

• Lead finance strategy initiatives by framing complex business questions, developing structured, data-driven analyses, and recommending clear courses of action
• Own and deliver strategic financial analyses related to growth planning, market entry, geographic expansion, competitive positioning, and capital allocation
• Partner closely with Finance, Product, Legal, Risk, and Executive Leadership to support critical business decisions
• Provide objective analysis and recommendations on inorganic growth opportunities, including targeted acquisitions, partnerships, and venture investments
• Lead business and financial diligence for select M&A or investment opportunities, coordinating inputs and synthesizing findings for leadership review
• Develop high-quality materials, including executive readouts, investment memos, and strategic presentations
• Conduct competitive and market analysis, monitoring consumer payments trends, fintech innovations, and adjacent industry developments
• Serve as a subject matter expert on Affirm's financial model, industry dynamics, and strategic trade-offs
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities and proactively surface insights to leadership
• Establish best practices, analytical standards, and repeatable processes within the finance strategy function
• Provide informal mentorship and guidance to junior team members and cross-functional partners

What We Are Looking For

• 3+ years of relevant experience, including experience at a top-tier management consulting firm, investment bank, or corporate strategy function
• Experience in a strategy, finance, or corporate development role within fintech, payments, or financial services
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead high-visibility strategic initiatives with exposure to senior leadership
• Strong foundation in finance, accounting, and strategy, with experience with valuation and financial modeling preferred
• Proven experience supporting or executing M&A, financing, or venture investment analyses
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and ambiguous environment with minimal oversight
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a structured and pragmatic approach
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence without authority
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong planning and process ownership capabilities
• Collaborative, relationship-driven mindset with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

Nice to Have

• Experience with data analysis tools, such as Excel, and ability to develop complex financial models
• Familiarity with the fintech industry and its trends, including consumer payments and financial services
• Knowledge of corporate development, including M&A, partnerships, and venture investments
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and equity package
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO and holiday policy
• Remote work stipend and equipment budget
• Opportunity to work with a pioneering fintech company and shape the future of consumer payments
• Collaborative, dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference sponsorships
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options

• Develop a strong understanding of financial modeling and analysis, including experience with Excel and other data analysis tools.
• Showcase your ability to drive business decisions and lead strategic initiatives, highlighting your experience in fintech, payments, or financial services.
• Prepare to discuss your experience with M&A, financing, or venture investment analyses, and be ready to provide examples of your work.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the fintech industry and its trends, including consumer payments and financial services.
• Highlight your ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with minimal oversight, and showcase your problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Be prepared to provide examples of your written and verbal communication skills, including your ability to influence without authority.
• Show your passion for the fintech industry and your desire to work with a pioneering company like Affirm.