At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and build scalable processes for a cutting-edge AI company.
- Company: Join Auquan, a leader in autonomous AI for financial institutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, equity, 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.
- 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.
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) in London employer: Auquan
Auquan is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration across its London and New York offices. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and meaningful equity options, ensuring that team members are rewarded for their contributions. The hybrid work model promotes flexibility while maintaining a vibrant office culture, making it an ideal place for finance professionals eager to make a significant impact in the fast-paced world of AI and SaaS.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance — Early-Stage SaaS (UK/US) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and SaaS sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your financial modelling expertise and any successful projects you've led. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've streamlined processes or improved financial metrics.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Auquan, and express your interest in working with them. Tailor your message to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Apply through StudySmarter to streamline your application process. We’ve got resources and tips to help you stand out, so make sure you take advantage of everything we offer to land that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance — Early-Stage SaaS (UK/US) in London
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 the perfect fit for Auquan. Share specific examples of how you've streamlined financial processes or managed multi-entity structures. Let your personality come through while keeping it professional.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your expertise in financial modelling and SaaS metrics. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate a deep understanding of ARR, NRR, and other key metrics that drive our business forward.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Auquan!
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 LTV. Brush up on these figures and be ready to discuss how they impact business decisions. Show that you can translate complex financial data into strategic insights.
✨Showcase Your Systems Mindset
Since the role requires building scalable processes, come prepared with examples of finance tools you've implemented or optimised in the past. Discuss how these systems improved efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting, especially in a multi-entity environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Planning
The interviewers will want to know how you handle cash management and forecasting. Prepare to discuss your experience with scenario analysis and how you’ve managed cash runway in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you’ve navigated growth, hiring, or fundraising scenarios.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a finance leader, clear communication is key. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Be ready to present how you would prepare board-level financial reporting packages and investor updates, ensuring you can convey financial performance effectively.
