At a Glance
- Tasks: Build a modern finance function and provide strategic insights to support growth.
- Company: Dynamic high-growth business in London with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Autonomy to shape finance operations and influence key decisions.
- Other info: Collaborate closely with the CEO and leadership team for long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building a finance function from the ground up.
- Qualifications: 3-7 years in finance roles, strong financial modelling skills, ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We're looking for an ambitious Head of Finance to build a finance function that helps the business move faster. This isn't a traditional finance role where you'll spend your time looking backwards. We're looking for someone who can build a modern, AI-enabled finance function that provides real-time insight, supports better decision-making, and becomes a genuine strategic partner to the leadership team.
You'll put the right controls, reporting and processes in place, then automate and streamline them so your focus shifts to what really matters: supporting growth, guiding investment decisions, preparing the business for fundraising, and helping shape the future of the company.
As we scale, you'll work alongside the CEO and senior leadership team, providing commercial insight across major projects, making complex investment decisions easier, and ensuring finance becomes an enabler rather than a bottleneck.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to build a finance function from the ground up within a high-growth business. You'll have the autonomy to shape how finance operates, implement modern systems and AI-driven processes, and create the financial foundations that support rapid growth. If you're someone who enjoys building rather than maintaining, and wants to play a key role in scaling a business, this role offers genuine influence and long-term career progression.
What you'll be doing
- Build and develop a scalable finance function fit for a high-growth business.
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts alongside external accountants.
- Deliver meaningful financial reporting and commercial insight to the CEO and Board.
- Turn financial data into clear recommendations that support faster decision-making.
Cash Flow & Financial Planning
- Own and continuously improve the rolling cash flow forecast.
- Manage treasury, banking relationships and liquidity planning.
- Lead annual budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
- Build robust financial models to support strategic growth initiatives.
Build a Modern Finance Function
- Create a single source of financial truth across the business.
- Introduce AI and digital tools to automate routine finance activities.
- Improve reporting, processes and controls as the business scales.
- Ensure financial data remains accurate, consistent and accessible.
Governance & Compliance
- Establish strong financial controls and governance.
- Oversee statutory reporting, tax and compliance through external advisers.
- Support audits and ensure the business is always investor and diligence ready.
Strategic Growth
- Prepare the business for future fundraising and investment.
- Develop investor reporting and maintain a diligence-ready data room.
- Produce Board papers and financial analysis to support key strategic decisions.
- Partner with the leadership team on commercial and operational decision making.
Capital Projects
- Evaluate commercial trade-offs and investment decisions.
- Support negotiations with landlords, suppliers and external partners.
- Ensure projects remain financially viable and aligned with business objectives.
About You
We're looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity to build, improve and influence. You'll likely have:
- 3-7 years' experience in a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Finance Business Partner or Financial Performance role.
- Experience working with external accountants or outsourced finance providers.
- Strong financial modelling, budgeting and cash flow management capability.
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or equivalent).
- Experience within a start-up, scale-up or entrepreneurial business would be advantageous.
Just as importantly, you'll be:
- Commercially minded and naturally curious.
- Comfortable operating strategically while remaining hands-on.
- Passionate about improving processes through technology and AI.
- A confident communicator who can influence senior stakeholders.
- Someone who takes ownership and enjoys solving problems in a fast-moving environment.
Why Join?
This is more than a finance leadership role—it's an opportunity to help shape the future of a growing business. You'll work closely with the CEO, influence strategic decisions, prepare the company for future fundraising, and build a finance function that supports ambitious growth from day one. If you're looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Head of Finance in London employer: Brightsmith
Brightsmith is an exceptional employer, offering a high-impact role where you can lead a multidisciplinary engineering team in pioneering climate technology. With a strong focus on flexibility and growth, you'll engage in diverse responsibilities while becoming an expert in patented technologies that support sustainable manufacturing. The collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal development, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about advancing the circular economy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance 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 Brightsmith. 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 Head of Finance 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 Brightsmith.
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 Brightsmith'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 Brightsmith
✨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 Brightsmith.
✨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 Brightsmith 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 Brightsmith 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.
