The Role
As Finance Director, you will be a key strategic partner to the CEO and Board, responsible for the financial stewardship of the company. You’ll lead all aspects of financial planning and analysis, reporting, fundraising support, cash flow management, compliance, and control frameworks, while ensuring the business scales in a sustainable and capital-efficient manner.
This is a hands-on leadership role that will evolve with the business, from establishing core finance processes to supporting future Series A/B funding rounds and international growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Finance & Planning
* Develop and lead the company’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and VC growth expectations.
* Own the budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling processes across the business.
* Drive long-term financial planning, scenario modelling, and KPI development for operational and investor reporting.
Reporting & Compliance
* Produce accurate and timely management accounts, board packs, investor updates, and statutory accounts.
* Ensure compliance with relevant tax, accounting, and regulatory obligations (UK GAAP / IFRS / HMRC).
* Oversee relationships with auditors, tax advisors, legal counsel, and other financial stakeholders.
Cash Flow & Capital Management
* Lead working capital management, treasury functions, and risk mitigation strategies.
* Support the CEO and Board with all financial matters, including potential ongoing fundraising efforts, such as due diligence, financial materials, and investor communications.
Operational Finance
* Build and implement scalable financial systems, controls, and processes suitable for a high-growth tech start-up.
* Establish finance policies, procurement practices, and cost control mechanisms.
* Work closely with department heads to align financial planning with operational strategy.
Leadership & Team Building
* Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing finance team as the company scales.
* Contribute to cross-functional leadership discussions, bringing financial insight into commercial decision-making.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Education & Credentials
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a strong academic background.
* MBA or equivalent advanced degree is advantageous but not required.
Experience
* 8+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in a senior finance leadership role within a high-growth start-up or scale-up (ideally in AI, SaaS, or deep tech).
* Proven experience working with venture capital investors, including fundraising, cap table management, and financial due diligence.
* Hands-on experience implementing finance infrastructure in an early-stage environment.
* Strong understanding of UK tax, regulatory, and accounting frameworks
* Experience preparing financials for audit and working with external auditors.
Skills & Attributes
* Commercially savvy and highly analytical, with excellent modelling and data interpretation skills.
* Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.
* High integrity, with a pragmatic and hands-on leadership style.
* Passion for innovation, AI, and building from the ground up.
If you would like to know more then please send me a copy of your resume and a cover letter to Greg McHugh @ greg.m@gts-search.com