Director of Finance — Early-Stage SaaS (UK/US)

Director of Finance — Early-Stage SaaS (UK/US)

Full-Time 100000 - 140000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Auquan

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance operations and build scalable processes for a cutting-edge AI company.
  • Company: Join Auquan, a leader in AI technology transforming financial institutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, equity options, and flexible time off.
  • Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration across time zones.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced startup environment with global reach.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in finance, strong UK jurisdiction expertise, and SaaS metrics knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 140000 £ per year.

Auquan develops autonomous AI agents that eliminate the repetitive, manual work slowing down financial institutions. Our technology supports credit, investment, ESG, and compliance workflows for leading firms including MetLife, T. Rowe Price, BC Partners, and ERM. Today, 40% of the world’s top 50 financial institutions use Auquan to remove manual processes, speed up decision-making, and achieve greater strategic impact.

With teams growing across the US, UK, and India, we’re building an elite force of innovators ready to redefine what’s possible with AI and machine learning.

We are looking for a hands-on, systems-oriented Director of Finance to build and lead Auquan’s finance function from the ground up. This is our first dedicated finance hire. You will own financial reporting, forecasting, cash management, compliance, and investor reporting across our UK, US, and India entities. You will streamline and operationalize reporting workflows, bring rigor to financial metrics, and ensure the company is audit-ready and investor-grade.

The right candidate combines strong UK jurisdiction expertise with startup pragmatism. You are comfortable managing outsourced accountants across multiple regions while building scalable processes that support growth.

Job Requirements
  • 7+ years of experience in finance, accounting, or FP&A, preferably within a high-growth SaaS or technology company.
  • Strong expertise in UK financial jurisdiction and UK GAAP; familiarity with US GAAP a plus.
  • Experience managing multi-entity structures (UK, US, India preferred).
  • Proven track record owning monthly close and building forecasting models from scratch.
  • Deep understanding of SaaS metrics (ARR, NRR, CAC, LTV, gross margin).
  • Experience managing external accountants and audit processes.
  • Strong financial modeling skills and comfort with scenario analysis.
  • Systems-oriented mindset; experience implementing or optimizing finance tools (e.g., Xero, NetSuite, Stripe, payroll systems).
  • Clear communicator capable of preparing investor- and board-ready materials.
  • High ownership mentality and comfort operating as a solo finance leader in an early-stage environment.
Job Responsibilities
  • Financial Operations & Close
    • Own monthly close across UK, US, and India entities, managing outsourced accountants and bookkeepers.
    • Establish clear close timelines, controls, and reconciliations to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
    • Implement scalable systems and workflows across billing, revenue, payroll, and expense reporting.
    • Maintain internal financial controls and documentation standards.
  • Planning, Forecasting & Cash Management
    • Build and maintain the annual budget and 3-year forward looking model.
    • Own cash runway management and scenario planning (growth, hiring, fundraising cases).
    • Own internal reporting and budget vs actuals analysis.
    • Provide clear visibility into burn, gross margin, and operating leverage.
    • Support annual planning in partnership with leadership.
  • Revenue & SaaS Metrics
    • Own revenue recognition in line with UK GAAP (US GAAP familiarity a plus).
    • Maintain accurate ARR, bookings, GRR, NRR, and expansion reporting.
    • Partner with Sales and Customer Success on pipeline tracking, bookings accuracy, and expansion analysis.
    • Evaluate pricing strategy, margin profile, and infrastructure cost per ARR.
  • Compliance, Payroll & Statutory Reporting
    • Oversee payroll, tax compliance, and statutory filings across UK, US, and India.
    • Act as subject-matter expert on UK financial and regulatory requirements.
    • Ensure compliance with VAT, corporate tax, R&D credits, and other jurisdictional obligations.
    • Own audit readiness and manage external auditors and advisors.
  • Investor & Board Reporting
    • Prepare board-level financial reporting packages, including KPI dashboards and variance analysis.
    • Support investor updates, fundraising processes, and due diligence requests.
    • Translate financial performance into clear strategic insights for leadership and the board.
  • Vendor & Cost Management
    • Manage vendor contracts and drive cost optimization initiatives (particularly cloud and infrastructure spend).
    • Implement spend controls and approval workflows.
    • Improve visibility into unit economics and contribution margin by product or client segment.
  • Team & External Partner Management
    • Manage outsourced accountants, bookkeepers, payroll providers, and tax advisors across jurisdictions.
    • Evaluate when and how to build internal finance capabilities over time.
    • Serve as a trusted partner to the CEO and leadership team on financial decision-making.
Job Benefits

This is a London or NY-based, hybrid role; we work together in the office 3 days per week, with flexibility. You should also be comfortable collaborating across time zones (US, UK, India). We offer a competitive package designed to support you both inside and outside of work:

  • Base Salary: £100,000 – £140,000 for London and $180,000 - $220,000 for New York. Factors that may impact the agreed upon salary within the range for a particular candidate include years of experience, level of education obtained, skill set, and other external factors.
  • Performance Bonus: 10-25% bonus target
  • Equity: Meaningful stock options so you share in our growth
  • Time Off: Flexible PTO
  • Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance (UK) / comprehensive health coverage (US)
  • Retirement: Pension / 401(k) options depending on jurisdiction

Director of Finance — Early-Stage SaaS (UK/US) employer: Auquan

Auquan is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration across global teams, we provide competitive salaries, meaningful equity options, and flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance. Join us in redefining the future of finance with cutting-edge AI technology while enjoying comprehensive health benefits and a culture that values your contributions.

Auquan

Contact Details:

Auquan Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Finance — Early-Stage SaaS (UK/US)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and SaaS sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Auquan’s tech and its impact on financial institutions. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of eliminating manual processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who gets what they do!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your financial expertise and how it can help Auquan grow. Focus on your experience with SaaS metrics and managing multi-entity structures, as these are key for the role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Auquan team. Let’s get you that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance — Early-Stage SaaS (UK/US)

Financial Reporting
Forecasting
Cash Management
Compliance
Investor Reporting
UK GAAP
US GAAP

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Director of Finance. Highlight your experience in finance, especially within SaaS or tech companies, and showcase your understanding of UK GAAP. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about finance in the tech space and how you can help Auquan grow. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In your application, don’t forget to mention your experience with financial modelling and managing multi-entity structures. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate a deep understanding of SaaS metrics and have a systems-oriented mindset.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Auquan

Know Your Numbers

As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of SaaS metrics like ARR, NRR, and CAC. Brush up on these figures and be ready to discuss how they impact financial decision-making in a high-growth environment.

Showcase Your Systems Mindset

Since the role involves building scalable processes, come prepared with examples of finance tools you've implemented or optimised. Discuss how these systems improved efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting.

Be Ready for Scenario Planning

The company is looking for someone who can manage cash runway and build forecasting models. Prepare to talk about your experience with scenario analysis and how you’ve navigated financial planning in uncertain environments.

Communicate Clearly

You’ll need to prepare investor- and board-ready materials, so practice articulating complex financial concepts in a straightforward manner. Think about how you can translate financial performance into strategic insights that resonate with leadership.