At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build the finance function for a global startup in live events.
- Company: Dynamic stealth startup with a focus on innovation and international growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.
- Qualifications: Senior finance leadership experience in international organisations and strong technical accounting skills.
- Other info: Join a founder-led team and make a real difference in a scaling business.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are a well-capitalised, founder-led startup operating in stealth mode, building a global, IP-led live events and data-driven platform. We are seeking a Finance Director to own and build the finance function from first principles, supporting international operations across the US, UK and Europe.
This is a senior, hands-on role for an operator who has scaled finance in complex, cross-border businesses and is comfortable with high accountability, pace and ambiguity.
Responsibilities- End-to-end ownership of the finance function
- Full ownership of financial operations, controls, reporting and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Ensure compliance with international accounting standards, including US GAAP and IFRS.
- Final sign-off authority on accounting policies, financial controls, cash movements and statutory filings across all entities.
- Management, board and investor reporting
- Design and implement robust KPI frameworks for internal management reporting.
- Produce high-quality board and investor reporting, including monthly, quarterly and ad-hoc analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- International finance operations
- Oversee international reconciliations across multiple entities, currencies and banking structures.
- Own treasury operations, cash forecasting, liquidity planning and capital allocation.
- Manage FX exposure, hedging strategy and execution where appropriate.
- Systems, controls and risk
- Select, implement and own core finance systems, including ERP, payments, expense management, consolidation and reporting tools.
- Design and enforce internal controls, fraud prevention and financial risk management frameworks, with specific focus on live event operations and cash-intensive environments.
- External and internal oversight
- Manage external accountants, auditors and tax advisors across the US, UK and Europe.
- Oversee day-to-day bookkeeping, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and scalability of processes and outputs.
- Business partnership and transaction readiness
- Act as a strategic partner to the founder and senior leadership team, supporting growth, international expansion and operational scaling.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and scenario planning for a rapidly scaling international events business.
- Prepare the business for future financing, strategic transactions and institutional scrutiny, including audit readiness, data rooms and diligence processes.
- Senior finance leadership experience (Finance Director, Head of Finance or equivalent) in international organisations operating across the US, UK and Europe.
- Strong technical accounting background with hands-on experience of US GAAP and IFRS.
- Direct experience in event-led, live operations or similarly complex operational businesses with variable revenues and cost structures.
- Proven track record managing multi-entity, multi-currency finance structures.
- Experience working with external auditors, advisors and senior stakeholders in high-growth environments.
- Highly structured, detail-driven and commercially sharp.
- Comfortable operating hands-on in the early stages while building a finance function designed to scale.
- Clear ownership mentality with strong judgment and control orientation.
- Willing and able to travel extensively as the business scales internationally.
- Discreet, trusted operator comfortable working within a confidential, non-public environment.
- Competitive base salary.
- Annual performance bonus tied to financial, operational and reporting KPIs.
Finance Director - Stealth Startup in London employer: fittest.
Contact Detail:
fittest. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director - Stealth Startup in London
✨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 to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with international finance operations and compliance. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges in complex environments, so share those stories that showcase your expertise!
✨Be Ready for Anything
In a fast-paced startup like ours, things can change quickly. Be prepared to discuss how you handle ambiguity and high accountability. We love candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to new situations, so bring your A-game!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to take on the challenge of building something amazing together.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director - Stealth Startup in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Director role. Highlight your experience with international finance operations and any hands-on roles you've had in scaling finance functions. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our stealth startup. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complex financial landscapes and supported growth in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your expertise in US GAAP and IFRS. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure to highlight any relevant certifications or experiences that demonstrate your technical accounting prowess.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at fittest.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial metrics and international accounting standards. Brush up on US GAAP and IFRS, and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in complex, cross-border environments.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a hands-on operator who can also think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've supported growth and operational scaling in past positions. Be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning, particularly in high-growth settings.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
You’ll be acting as a strategic partner to the founder and senior leadership team. Think of instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with stakeholders or led teams through financial transformations. Highlight your ability to manage external accountants and auditors effectively.
✨Prepare for Ambiguity
Given the startup's stealth mode and fast-paced environment, be prepared to discuss how you handle ambiguity and rapid change. Share specific examples of how you've thrived in uncertain situations, particularly in finance functions that needed to scale quickly.