At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, automate processes, and manage month-end close for a high-growth AI company.
- Company: Join a dynamic AI software business with a focus on innovation and automation.
- Benefits: Up to £85,000 salary, share options, 25 days holiday, and flexible work arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and learning in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Take ownership of finance systems and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years finance experience, strong month-end close skills, and a passion for automation.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ per year.
A high-growth AI software business is looking to hire a Finance Operations & Systems Lead to help build a lean, highly automated finance function.
Reporting directly to the CFO, this is a hands-on role spanning month-end, finance systems, automation, treasury, quote-to-cash and operational finance.
The business has recently implemented a new AI-native ERP and is now at the point of turning a new system into a reliable, scalable finance operating model.
You will have genuine ownership of how finance runs day to day, including the tools, workflows and automations that support it.
Duties
- Own month-end close end to end, including management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals and prepayments.
- Build reliable, automated finance processes and reduce manual work across the function.
- Own the finance systems roadmap and help the business get the most from its new ERP and wider finance stack.
- Lead operational finance across UK and US entities, working with external specialists where appropriate.
- Maintain daily cash visibility, cash forecasting and working capital oversight.
- Own quote-to-cash from CRM through invoicing, deferred revenue and collections, with strong controls over data entering the ledger.
- Create a clean actuals layer that feeds management and board reporting with minimal manual preparation.
- Support fundraise and diligence readiness by keeping finance data accurate, reconciled and accessible.
- Support first-pass revenue recognition, equity accounting, audit preparation and share scheme administration.
- Over time, broaden into FP&A, budgeting, business partnering and commercial analysis as the core finance operation becomes increasingly automated.
- Ideal candidate profile
- Strong hands-on experience owning month-end close, management accounts and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Around 3-5 years' finance experience, ideally from accounting outsourcing/practice or an in-house startup/scale-up finance environment.
- Part-qualified or qualified ACCA, CIMA or ACA, or equivalent practical experience.
- Real ERP experience, ideally including implementation, optimisation or process redesign.
- A genuine automation mindset. You should enjoy building workflows, not simply using finance systems.
- Comfortable using no-code automation tools and able to work with more technical solutions when required.
- Good working knowledge of payroll and core UK finance compliance, with enough judgement to spot when something does not look right.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced environment where ownership is broad and problems do not always sit neatly within one function.
- Useful additional experience includes Saa S revenue recognition, equity accounting, CRM-to-ERP integration, SQL/Python, multi-entity consolidation and FX.
Package
- Up to £85,000 base salary.
- Share options.
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension and life cover at 4x salary.
- Optional private health and dental cover.
- Learning and development budget.
- Cycle to work scheme, work-abroad days, referral bonus, team outings and access to an on-site gym.
- West London office with flexibility to work from home 2 days per week.
Finance Operations & System Lead in London employer: Absolute Recruit Careers
Join a dynamic and innovative AI software business that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a vibrant work culture where your contributions directly impact the finance function. With a competitive salary of up to £85,000, share options, and a comprehensive benefits package including flexible working arrangements, a learning and development budget, and wellness initiatives, this role provides an excellent opportunity for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced environment while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Operations & System Lead in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Absolute Recruit Careers. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Operations & System Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Absolute Recruit Careers.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Absolute Recruit Careers's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Absolute Recruit Careers
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Absolute Recruit Careers.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Absolute Recruit Careers will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Absolute Recruit Careers employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
