Finance & Operations Officer

The mission

CrossSense is a breakthrough AI-powered application for augmented reality smartglasses designed to help people with dementia maintain their autonomy. Because the technology sees what the user sees and hears what they hear, our AI companion, Wispy, provides real-time guidance, a "cognitive scaffold", to assist with memory gaps, task execution, and social interaction.

We agree with one of the experts by experience who told us that life without joy is not worth living. CrossSense isn't about managing decline; it's about enabling people to live fulfilling lives on their own terms. The system acts as a "missing piece" that bridges the gap between what a person intends to do and what the condition disrupts. Rather than performing tasks for the user, we support their existing cognitive resources to maintain functional independence and dignity.

We've been developing extended reality software since 2016. We're finalists for the Longitude Prize on Dementia, with R&D funding from NIHR and Innovate UK. This summer we begin a major clinical study, with commercial release planned for late 2026.

The role

As the Finance and Operations Officer, you will lead the transition of CrossSense from an award-winning R&D project into a high-growth commercial entity. Reporting to the board of directors, you will be responsible for the financial architecture required to support a 2026 pilot study and commercial launch requiring a scale-up of our operations. This is a strategic hands-on position requiring a balance of rigorous financial governance and the operational agility needed in a tech start-up environment.

What you’ll deliver

• Financial leadership – develop and maintain multi-year financial models that account for dual B2C and B2B revenue streams and tiered subscription models.
• Grant and investment management – oversee the financial acquittal and reporting for existing NIHR and Innovate UK R&D funding, while preparing the company for upcoming seed investment rounds.
• Operational excellence – design and implement scalable internal processes for a hybrid-remote workforce, ensuring alignment with our commitment to mutual respect and data ethics.
• Impact-driven governance – lead the process towards B Corp certification, ensuring our financial operations reflect our mission to provide social value and maintain user dignity.
• Commercial readiness – support the late 2026 product launch by managing budgeting for studies and developing cost-efficiency programmes across R&D and raising finance.

Key responsibilities

• Own the financial model, providing quarterly forecasts, variance analysis, and cash-runway projections to the board.
• Working with our accountants, manage all month-end and year-end close cycles, ensuring accurate financial statements and statutory compliance with Companies House and HMRC.
• Lead the financial administration of major R&D grants, ensuring rigorous adherence to funding body requirements.
• Implement automated systems for expense management, invoicing, and payroll to improve operational efficiency.
• Oversee HR operations, including contractor agreements, benefits administration, and the onboarding new team members.
• Manage relationships with partners, service and hardware providers to optimise working capital and inventory models.
• Track and report on core operational KPIs, including customer acquisition costs (CAC) and lifetime value across various sales channels.

Required experience

• Several years of financial leadership experience within a growing technology or health tech start-up.
• Proven track record in building robust financial models and delivering board-level reporting.
• Knowledge of UK corporate tax, R&D tax credit applications within the technology sector and investment programmes (SEIS & EIS).
• Experience managing the financial complexities of a subscription-based business model (SaaS or HaaS).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable strategic insights.

Nice to have

• Experience with UK grant funding ecosystem, specifically reporting for Innovate UK or NIHR.
• Familiarity with the financial and operational requirements for B Corp certification.
• Experience in medical-device or digital-health finance, including an understanding of clinical trial budgeting.
• Knowledge of equity-share schemes and employee stock-option plans (EMI).
• Background in the social care or assistive technology sectors.

What we offer

• Salary: £49,920 (4-day week) to £62,400 (5-day week) - will increase as we raise finance
• Equity: 1% stake plus future EMI share options
• Flexibility: Open to a 4‑day working week; hybrid mostly remote model (London office 2+ days per month).
• Location: Hybrid – London office + remote‑friendly.
• Benefits: Workplace pension, flexible hours, learning budget, home office support
• Impact: Directly shape a product that supports people living with dementia, their loved ones and communities.
• Contract type: Permanent with 6 month probation period.

How we work

We believe it's never too late to pursue meaningful goals. We think long-term while acting in the moment. We work as a joint effort, supporting each other's potential, just as CrossSense empowers user agency to be independent.

We make room for questioning, uncertainty, and diverse perspectives. We prioritise kindness and shared benefits over competition. We honour the trust placed in us by the 250+ people with lived experience of dementia who have shaped CrossSense through co-design and consultation: their unmet needs, privacy and dignity guide our trajectory.

Start date

Late February

Application process

We'll interview selected candidates on a rolling basis.

How to apply

Send your CV and a short note (max 200 words) explaining:

1. Why you’re excited about finance and operations in an assistive health‑tech start‑up.
2. A concrete example of a financial system or process you built that delivered measurable impact.