At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and capital raising for a fast-growing fintech company.
- Company: Venture-backed fintech operating across MENA, focused on embedded financial products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, executive-level influence, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of fintech in a strategic leadership role.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in finance leadership, ideally with fintech or financial services experience.
The predicted salary is between 148500 - 181500 £ per year.
Location: London/Dubai
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Engagement: Full-time, Executive Committee member
The Company
Our client is a venture-backed fintech headquartered in the Middle East and operating across ten-plus markets in the MENA region. The company provides banks, fintechs, enterprises, and telecom operators with embedded financial products into their offerings, including:
- Card issuing and processing virtual and physical debit, prepaid, and credit card programs.
- Embedded lending credit and lending infrastructure enabling clients to launch consumer and SME credit products.
- Money movement domestic and cross-border payment and payout capabilities.
The company is licensed and regulated in its home market, serves 100+ financial institutions and enterprises, and has recently closed an oversubscribed Series B led by a leading fintech-specialist venture firm.
The Opportunity
The company is entering its most capital-intensive and strategically demanding phase: scaling toward its next equity round while building the debt capital structures required to fund a fast-growing embedded lending business. The Board is seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer to lead this phase.
Key Responsibilities
- Equity capital and investor relations: Lead preparation and execution of the company's next institutional equity round, own investor relations and Board-level financial reporting.
- Debt capital and lending finance: Design and raise the debt facilities required to fund the embedded lending vertical, own lender relationships, and build asset-liability management capabilities.
- Financial leadership and control: Full ownership of the finance function, ensure robust financial and regulatory reporting, strengthen controls and processes.
- Commercial and operational partnership: Partner with commercial leadership on pricing and unit economics, own budgeting and forecasting, build and lead a high-performing finance team.
Candidate Profile
- 15+ years of progressive finance leadership, including prior experience as CFO or deputy CFO of a high-growth technology or financial services business.
- Deep exposure to fintech, payments, or regulated financial services.
- Demonstrable track record across both sides of the capital structure.
- Experience operating in multi-entity, multi-currency, multi-jurisdiction regulated environments.
- Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA, CFA) and/or MBA from a leading institution preferred.
Personal attributes
- A builder's mindset, comfortable creating structure in a fast-moving environment.
- Equally credible in front of growth-equity investors, credit committees, regulators, and the Board.
- High integrity, low ego, and a collaborative operating style.
- Cultural fluency and genuine enthusiasm for building across international markets.
Chief Financial Officer employer: Edison Smart
Edison Smart® is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members are at the forefront of AI technology. Our commitment to work-life balance and a collaborative environment makes us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in enterprise automation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨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 Edison Smart. 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 Chief Financial Officer
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 Edison Smart.
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 Edison Smart'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 Edison Smart
✨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 Edison Smart.
✨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 Edison Smart 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 Edison Smart 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.
