At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and compliance in a dynamic, growth-focused brokerage.
- Company: Join EC Markets, a leading global financial brokerage with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Shape the finance function and drive innovation in a regulated setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and 7+ years in senior finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Company Overview
EC Markets is a leading global financial brokerage specialising in FX, CFDs, equities, SIPPs, and ISAs. With ambitious growth plans and a commitment to operational excellence, EC Markets is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Financial Controller to drive financial strategy, regulatory compliance, and operational management across the business. This is a high-impact leadership role that sits at the intersection of finance, regulation, and strategy. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial infrastructure of a dynamic, growth-oriented firm operating in a complex and heavily regulated environment.
Role Purpose
The Senior Financial Controller will provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership across budgeting, forecasting, regulatory compliance, financial reporting, risk management, and technology adoption. This role is pivotal to aligning EC Markets' financial planning with its evolving business model and regulatory environment, enabling sustainable growth and operational resilience. The role carries direct accountability for regulatory reporting obligations — including CASS 7, MIFIDPRU, and supporting ICARA process — as well as oversight of audit activities, invoice management, and day-to-day financial operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Strategy and Planning: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities to support business growth and operational efficiency. Provide insightful financial analysis to guide business decisions and align financial strategy with EC Markets’ product suite including equities, CFDs, FX, SIPPs, and ISAs. Produce and maintain financial forecasts in collaboration with senior leadership and the management accountant. Support the CEO and Board with financial decision-making, including partnership negotiations and product development initiatives.
- Regulatory Compliance and Reporting: Ensure full compliance with FCA prudential regulations, including MIFIDPRU capital adequacy rules and CASS client money requirements. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of CASS 7 rules, including all applicable reporting obligations. Oversee regulatory reporting requirements under MIFIDPRU, specifically MIF001, MIF002, MIF003, and MIF004 submissions. Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of K-factor calculations and their application to the firm’s prudential capital requirements. Work with the Head of Risk on the ICARA process, including financial forecasts, stress testing, and wind-down planning. Collaborate with compliance and risk teams on all regulatory filings and best practices.
- CASS and Client Money Oversight: Take ownership of CASS 7 oversight, ensuring client money rules are understood, implemented, and adhered to across the business. Oversee PSB (Primary Segregated Bank) reconciliations, margined transaction requirement reconciliations, and Client Transaction Accounts under CASS 7, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with FCA requirements. Manage and complete the annual CASS audit process, including preparation, liaison with external auditors, and resolution of findings. Develop and maintain robust internal CASS controls and governance frameworks to mitigate operational risk.
- Financial Operations and Reporting: Oversee the production of timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management accounts. Manage invoice oversight, ensuring appropriate approval processes, cost allocation, and supplier management. Collaborate closely with the management accountant to maintain the integrity of financial records and reporting. Implement and refine financial systems, policies, and procedures specific to brokerage and trading platform needs. Manage vendor and contract relationships to optimise service delivery and cost-efficiency.
- Audit Oversight: Act as the primary point of contact for external and internal audit engagements. Coordinate audit planning, preparation of evidence packs, and management of audit findings. Ensure timely resolution and sign-off of audit recommendations, escalating material issues to the Board as appropriate. Maintain an audit-ready financial control environment at all times.
- Leadership and Team Development: Lead, manage, and develop the finance team to achieve high performance and accountability. Conduct a structured skills and gap analysis across the finance function, identifying training needs and resourcing requirements. Organise and optimise the finance team structure to support current and future business needs. Partner with trading, technology, and compliance teams to integrate financial insights into strategic projects.
- Technology and Innovation: Champion the adoption of fintech and advanced data analytics tools to enhance reporting, forecasting, and operational workflows. Leverage innovative technology solutions to improve financial planning and market responsiveness.
Required Profile and Skills
- Essential Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) — mandatory. Minimum 7 years’ senior finance experience, ideally within financial services, regulated brokerages, or investment firms. Demonstrable experience in FCA-regulated environments with strong working knowledge of MIFIDPRU, CASS, and MIFIDPRU.
- Technical Knowledge: CASS 7: Deep knowledge of client money rules, reconciliation requirements (including margined transaction requirements and Client Transaction Accounts), margin calculations, and reporting obligations. MIFIDPRU Regulatory Reporting: Hands-on experience with MIF001, MIF002, MIF003, and MIF004 submissions. K-Factors: Solid understanding of K-factor methodology and its application to prudential capital requirements. ICARA: Proven experience leading or materially contributing to the ICARA process, including stress testing and wind-down planning. Audit Management: Experience managing internal and external audit programmes in a regulated financial environment. Financial Forecasting: Strong capability in building and maintaining financial forecasts and scenario models.
- Leadership and Personal Competencies: Hands-on, pragmatic leader with the capability to build processes, controls, and teams from the ground up. Excellent commercial acumen coupled with strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Effective communicator and influencer, able to engage credibly with stakeholders at all levels including the Board and FCA. Tech-savvy with experience deploying financial systems and data analytics tools in a regulated environment. Proactive, resilient, and results-driven with a strong cultural fit for a dynamic, growth-focused organisation. Comfortable operating in a scale-up environment, willing to operate across both strategic and operational levels.
What We Offer
A pivotal leadership role with genuine influence over the strategic direction of a fast-growing global brokerage. Opportunity to build and shape the finance function from a strong foundation. Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with a leadership team committed to doing things properly.
Senior Financial Controller employer: EC Markets LTD
EC Markets is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior Financial Controller, you will have the opportunity to shape financial strategy and compliance in a fast-growing global brokerage, while benefiting from a culture that prioritises employee development and operational excellence. With a commitment to fostering talent and providing meaningful growth opportunities, EC Markets stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching EC Markets thoroughly. Understand their products, values, and recent news. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the company. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Senior Financial Controller role. Highlight your knowledge of regulatory compliance and financial strategy. We want to hear how you can make an impact right from day one!
✨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 serious about joining our team at EC Markets. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial strategy, regulatory compliance, and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at EC Markets!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial management and how they relate to our ambitious growth plans.
Showcase Your Regulatory Knowledge:Since this role involves a lot of regulatory compliance, make sure to showcase your knowledge of FCA regulations, MIFIDPRU, and CASS 7. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these complexities with ease!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at EC Markets. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at EC Markets LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and regulatory requirements like MIFIDPRU and CASS 7. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as this will show your depth of knowledge and experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership, so prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams and drive financial strategy. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed a team or implemented a new process that improved efficiency. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can inspire and guide others.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research EC Markets thoroughly. Understand their product suite and growth plans. During the interview, align your answers with their goals and demonstrate how your experience can help them achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Questions
Given the regulatory nature of the role, expect questions around compliance and reporting. Prepare to discuss your experience with FCA regulations and how you’ve ensured compliance in previous positions. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but can also navigate them effectively.
