Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Full-Time 90000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive strategic financial decisions.
  • Company: Join Capsa AI, a rapidly growing tech company revolutionising private capital.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and direct collaboration with founders.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation and shape the future of finance.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in finance with leadership experience in high-growth startups.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.

The AI Operating System for Private Capital. Capsa AI is focused, ambitious, and obsessed with building a category-defining company. In the last 12 months, we've grown ARR 15x, achieved product–market fit with leading multi-billion-dollar PE firms, and expanded across the US, UK, and Europe. Now we're doubling down: we've raised a large Series A from top-tier VC investors to scale the team. We're hiring hyper-talented people who want to work at the forefront of AI and revolutionise an industry.

At a glance:

  • Role: Head of Finance
  • Location: London, UK (Hybrid, in-person 4 days per week)
  • Team: Finance & Operations
  • Experience Required: 8+ years in finance including Head of Finance, FP&A or Controller leadership at a high-growth B2B SaaS or fintech startup. Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or US equivalent), with Big Four or top-startup grounding.
  • Compensation: Top of market. Competitive base + OTE

The role involves building and running the finance function. You will start as a player-coach and transition to a full leader as the company and team grow under you. This is the senior-most finance seat at the company. You own the model, the board pack, and the close yourself this year. At the same time, you will establish FP&A, controls, and the financial readiness that takes us from Series A to Series B and beyond. You report to the CEO, work closely with the founders, and partner on every commercial and capital decision the company makes.

The opportunity includes:

  • The operating model: ARR, headcount, cost, cash, runway. The single source of truth the board and management run off, built and maintained by you.
  • Board reporting and investor relations: Monthly board pack, quarterly investor updates, KPI dashboards. The numbers that go to our investors come from you, signed off and defensible.
  • FP&A cadence: Monthly close, variance analysis, rolling forecast, scenario modelling. A tight rhythm the company can plan against, with risks flagged before they hit cash.
  • Series B readiness: Lead financial diligence prep, build the data room, support the CEO through the raise. By the time we kick off the process, the numbers are bulletproof and the story is yours too.
  • Strategic and commercial partnership: Unit economics, pricing, deal structuring with PE customers. In the room with the CEO and Head of Sales on every commercial decision.
  • Controls and oversight: Manage the outsourced stack - accountancy, audit, tax, payroll, UK and US accounting. Clean SaaS revenue recognition that survives Series B diligence.
  • R&D tax credits and grants: UK and US claims captured year on year. Material cash.
  • Cap table and equity administration: Cap table, option grants, 409A and EMI valuations, board consents. Clean from day one.
  • Treasury and cash management: Cash placement, GBP/USD FX, banking relationships, venture debt as Series B approaches. The cash sits with you.
  • Team and systems: Hire and manage a small finance team (1–2 reports in 12 months). Set the tooling, the close calendar, and the partnership model with the rest of the business.

Why Capsa:

  • Exceptional traction: 15x ARR growth in 12 months, PMF with top PE funds managing over $1tn AUM.
  • Define the function: First senior marketing hire at a category-defining AI company. Build it, don't inherit it.
  • Direct line to the founders: Partner with the CEO and CRO on positioning, narrative, and how Capsa earns the right to be the category leader.
  • Backed by the best: Top VCs and senior PE execs from Warburg Pincus, KKR, and Goldman Sachs.
  • Major upside: Meaningful equity in a company growing 15x year on year.

Track record:

  • 8+ years in Finance, including Head of Finance, FP&A or Controller leadership at a high-growth B2B SaaS or fintech startup. Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or US equivalent), with Big Four or top-startup grounding.
  • Operator, not just controller. You've owned the operating model and the board pack yourself. You've sat in the room with investors and answered hard questions live.
  • Series B+ raise experience. You've supported a CEO through a fundraise. Data room, diligence, modelling, investor Q&A. You know what good looks like and where the traps are.
  • Multi-entity, multi-currency. UK and US operations, GBP and USD reporting. Comfortable with the tax and accounting complexity that comes with both.
  • Academic foundation: Bachelor's degree minimum 2:1 from a leading university.

How you lead:

  • Player-coach by instinct. You're equally credible building the model on a Monday and presenting it to the board on a Tuesday. You don't pick one mode and stick to it.
  • Strong point of view on commercial trade-offs. You don't just report the number. You have a view on what we should do next, and you can defend it with the model.
  • Builder. You're choosing this role because the function isn't built yet, and that's the appeal. Low ego, high ownership, bias for action over committee.
  • Direct communicator. You make calls, write them down clearly, and tell the team why. Comfortable disagreeing with the founders and the CEO when you believe you're right.
  • Genuinely curious about AI. Using it, breaking it, embedding it into how the finance function runs.

If this opportunity excites you, we'd like to meet you. Initial conversations are direct and substantive, going deep on the work, the team, and what you'd own in the first six months.

Capsa AI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities.

Capsa AI is committed to a fair and transparent hiring process. We confirm that this advertisement is for an active, existing vacancy within our organization. Please be advised that we may use artificial intelligence-driven tools to assist our recruitment team in screening, assessing, and selecting candidates for this position.

Head of Finance employer: Capsa AI Ltd

Capsa AI is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that thrives on innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the unique opportunity to build and lead the finance function from the ground up, while being directly involved with the founders and top-tier investors. Join us to be part of a rapidly growing company that values your contributions and offers competitive compensation along with meaningful equity in a category-defining venture.

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Contact Details:

Capsa AI Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance

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

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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

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance

Financial Modelling
Board Reporting
Investor Relations
FP&A
Variance Analysis
Scenario Modelling
Cash Management

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 Capsa AI Ltd.

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 Capsa AI Ltd'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 Capsa AI Ltd

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 Capsa AI Ltd.

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 Capsa AI Ltd 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 Capsa AI Ltd 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.