At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and reporting in a dynamic global brokerage environment.
- Company: Fast-growing, founder-led brokerage with a hands-on leadership culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, engaging work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a direct, fast-paced team where your impact is valued.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping financial strategy and driving business success.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 8-15 years of experience in financial services.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 € per year.
A fast-growing global brokerage business is seeking a Financial Director to take ownership of finance leadership across a complex, international trading environment. This is not a CFO role; it is a deeply operational, hands-on leadership position for someone who enjoys being close to the numbers, the business, and the detail.
The business is founder-led, with a leadership team that remains closely involved in day-to-day decision-making and expects the same level of engagement from their senior finance partner. This is a highly commercial environment where finance is expected to be embedded in the rhythm of the business rather than operating at arm’s length.
The Role
You will take full responsibility for financial management, reporting, controls, and insight across multiple entities within a global brokerage platform. You will work directly with the founders and senior leadership team, providing clarity on performance, risk, and opportunity in real time.
This is a role for someone who is comfortable operating in the detail, not delegating it away, and who can move fluidly between strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Ownership of group financial reporting across multiple jurisdictions and trading entities
- Maintaining and strengthening financial controls in a fast-moving, revenue-driven environment
- Leading month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes with precision and pace
- Producing clear, commercially relevant insight into trading performance and business drivers
- Working directly with founders on forecasting, capital allocation, and strategic decision support
- Partnering with operations, risk, and technology teams to ensure financial integrity across the platform
- Managing external stakeholders including auditors, tax advisors, and regulators
- Driving continuous improvement in reporting systems, processes, and data quality
The Environment
This is a founder-led business where senior leaders remain highly engaged in the detail of the operation. The culture is direct, fast-moving, and commercially sharp. Decisions are made quickly, and accountability sits close to the work.
You will be expected to operate with the same mindset: curious, responsive, and comfortable challenging assumptions where needed. There is little interest in hierarchy for its own sake; impact and judgment matter far more.
About You
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / equivalent), likely 8–15 years’ experience
- Currently operating as a "number 1" in finance
- Strong background in financial services, ideally brokerage, trading, or markets
- Experience operating in complex, multi-entity or cross-border environments
- Comfortable working in detail, not just reviewing outputs but understanding inputs
- Strong technical accounting knowledge (IFRS preferred; regulatory exposure advantageous)
- Commercially minded, able to translate financial data into clear business insight
- Proven ability to work directly with senior stakeholders or founders
- Calm under pressure, able to manage competing priorities in a high-velocity environment
- Hands-on leader who builds credibility through work quality, not distance from it
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role is not defined by oversight alone, but by depth of understanding and impact. The right person will become a trusted extension of the founders — someone who knows the business inside out, identifies issues early, and brings clarity where others see complexity.
This is a role for someone who wants to be close to the action, not observing it from a distance.
Finance Director in London employer: Fordham Talent Partnership
Join a dynamic and founder-led global brokerage business that values hands-on leadership and operational engagement. As a Finance Director, you will thrive in a fast-paced, commercially sharp environment where your insights directly influence decision-making and drive performance. With a culture that prioritises accountability and impact over hierarchy, this role offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work closely with senior leaders in a complex international trading landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who are already in similar roles. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Finance Director position.
✨Tip Number 2
Get ready for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding the business inside out. Be prepared to discuss how you can add value in a hands-on way, as this role demands someone who’s deeply involved with the numbers and operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial mindset! During interviews, highlight how you've translated financial data into actionable insights in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to partner effectively with senior stakeholders and founders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for finance and how it aligns with our fast-paced, founder-led environment.
Show Your Hands-On Experience:Make sure to highlight your hands-on leadership experience in finance. We’re looking for someone who thrives in detail and can demonstrate their ability to manage financial operations directly, not just from a distance.
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to our specific needs. Mention your experience in complex, multi-entity environments and how you've successfully navigated challenges similar to those we face at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fordham Talent Partnership
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you’ll need to be comfortable with the details. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how they impact business decisions. Show that you can translate complex data into actionable insights.
✨Engage with the Founders' Vision
Understand the founder-led culture of the company. Be prepared to discuss how your hands-on approach aligns with their expectations. Demonstrating that you can work closely with senior leadership will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Operational Experience
Highlight your experience in managing financial operations across multiple entities. Be specific about your role in month-end and year-end processes, and how you’ve improved financial controls in fast-paced environments.
✨Be Ready for Real-Time Problem Solving
Expect questions that test your ability to think on your feet. Prepare examples of how you've identified issues early and provided clarity in complex situations. This will show that you’re not just a number cruncher but a strategic partner.
