Head of finance

Job Description

*** We are only considering qualified accountants with experience of working in a senior finance role within a Financial Services / FCA Regulated Industry business ***

MERJE are partnered with a UK based Fintech organisation to find a highly experienced and strategic Head of Finance who will play a critical role in managing the financial aspects of the organisation and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Reporting to the CEO and the senior management team, this is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and strategic alignment with business objectives.

The successful candidate will operate at board level, providing critical financial insights while navigating the intersection of finance, compliance, and technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with business objectives and provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Assess business performance and identify opportunities for growth and efficiency
• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting activities.
• Develop financial models to evaluate business initiatives and investment opportunities.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of management accounts, board reports, and regulatory submissions.
• Support reporting requirements to the FCA and other regulatory bodies.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable financial regulations and standards
• Identify, assess, monitor financial risks and recommend and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Maintain effective internal controls and governance frameworks to safeguard company assets and ensure reporting integrity
• Oversee liquidity management & cash flow forecasting and develop & maintain treasury policies and procedures.
• Ensure sufficient funding is available to support operational and strategic requirements
• Coordinate internal and external audits and work closely with finance and audit stakeholders to ensure compliance with audit requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and controls.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and development opportunities for the finance team.
• Collaborate with business leaders to align financial objectives with organisational goals.
• Contribute to broader business strategy and operational planning.
• Evaluate and implement solutions that improve efficiency, reporting, and regulatory compliance
• Support relationships with investors, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders where applicable.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, IT, and Auditors to ensure safeguarding reconciliations are completed accurately and in line with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee safeguarding policies, reporting, and controls

Key Requirements:

• Significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally within financial services, payments, fintech, or another FCA-regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of FCA regulations and UK regulated financial environments
• Experience from within Financial Services / Regulated Industry with ideally experience within an Authorised Payment institution (API), EMI, Fintech or regulated payments business.
• Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury management, compliance and risk management.
• Experience managing audits and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Experience working at board/executive level
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Understanding of financial systems and emerging FinTech solutions

If you are a strategic finance leader with deep regulatory expertise and a passion for driving business success, we’d love to hear from you.