How much do finance and legal jobs pay?

Typically USD 125k to 204k a year, with a median of USD 162.5k, where the posting states a salary.

Which startups are hiring finance and legal roles?

Crypto.com Europe (36 roles), Salmon Group (33) and The Nuclear Company (16) have the most; 838 startups are hiring in total.

Do I need to be senior?

Most roles are senior (37% of those that state a level), and 18% are junior or intern.

Finance & Legal Jobs at Startups: Roles and Salaries

Working in finance & legal at a startup

At an early-stage startup, finance and legal roles go beyond traditional boundaries. You build the financial and legal infrastructure from scratch, often handling everything from bookkeeping and budgeting to contracts and compliance. You work closely with founders to support fundraising, forecasting, and risk management, and your decisions directly shape the company's growth and stability.

What finance and legal work involves at an early-stage startup

You build the books, the contracts and the controls rather than inherit them. Founders ask you about runway, a customer agreement and a new country's rules in the same afternoon. At a large company each of those sits with a different specialist team.

Day to day

Own day-to-day accounting, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and monthly close
Build financial models, budgets, and forecasts to guide strategic decisions and fundraising
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including customer, vendor, and partnership agreements
Ensure compliance with tax, securities, and employment regulations
Prepare financial statements and reports for investors, boards, and lenders
Implement financial systems and internal controls as the company scales

Skills and tools

Financial modeling and analysis (Excel, Google Sheets)
Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite)
Knowledge of GAAP and tax regulations
Contract drafting and negotiation
Corporate governance and compliance frameworks
Strategic planning and cross-functional communication

How to get into finance & legal at a startup

Background

Most roles require a degree in accounting, finance, or law; CPAs, JDs, and MBAs are common, but practical experience and certifications can sometimes substitute.

Career path

These roles typically progress into leadership positions such as Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, or VP of Finance/Operations, or into specialized senior roles in strategic finance or legal practice.