At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, managing a team and overseeing fund and corporate finance.
- Company: High-performing investment and asset management business in the City of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, retention bonus, and potential for further opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a visible and influential role within a growing platform.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong fund accounting background and team management experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with direct interaction with senior leadership.
The predicted salary is between 115000 - 135000 £ per year.
City of London | £115,000 – £135,000 + 10–20% Retention Bonus
Start date: Targeting 1st August (with early engagement required)
I’m working on a search for a high-performing investment and asset management business based in the heart of the City. This is a critical hire to provide full leadership coverage of the finance function during a planned period, with the opportunity to step into a highly visible and impactful role. This is not a typical contract position.
You will be leading the finance function, managing a team, and owning both fund and corporate finance, working closely with senior leadership.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CFO, you will take ownership of the finance function, ensuring continuity, stability and performance across the business. You will oversee:
- Fund finance (c.65–70% of the role) across multiple investment vehicles
- Corporate finance (c.30–35%), including oversight of a developing team member stepping up into greater responsibility
- A team of 5 direct reports and 3 indirect reports
This role requires someone who is:
- Comfortable leading from the front
- Able to operate both strategically and hands-on
- Present in the office and embedded within the team
Key Responsibilities
- Full ownership of financial reporting across funds and corporate entities, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Oversight of fund operations including:
- Capital calls and distributions
- Investor reporting and portfolio performance metrics (NAV, TVPI, DPI)
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Statutory reporting
- Treasury and cash flow management
This role plays a key part in ensuring the finance function continues to support a highly acquisitive and growth-focused business.
What They’re Looking For
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong background in fund accounting (essential)
- Experience within investment management, private equity, real estate or similar environments
- Proven experience operating at: Financial Controller stepping up, or Head of Finance level
- Track record of managing and developing teams
- Strong understanding of:
- Fund structures and reporting
- Treasury and cash management
- Audit and regulatory environments
Important
If you come from a purely corporate background without fund exposure, this role is unlikely to be the right fit.
The Environment
- City of London based
- Office-led culture (5 days per week, with occasional flexibility)
- Collaborative, high-performing finance team
- Close interaction with senior leadership
This is a role for someone who wants to be visible, involved and influential, not sitting remotely delivering tasks.
Duration: 12–15 months
Bonus: 10–20% retention bonus upon successful completion
Open to: Day-rate contractor
There is also potential for further opportunities beyond the initial contract, depending on performance and business growth.
Why This Role?
- Genuine Head of Finance responsibility, not a diluted interim role
- Exposure across both funds and corporate finance
- Opportunity to lead and shape a team
- High visibility within a growing investment platform
- Potential longer-term upside beyond the contract
Process
- Two-stage process:
- Initial interview with CFO
- Final stage with senior stakeholders and HR
Final Thought
This is a business-critical appointment, and the client is engaging the market early to secure the right individual ahead of time. If you’re considering your next move and want a role where you can lead, influence and make a real impact, it’s worth a conversation.
Head of Finance in London employer: Found-U
Contact Detail:
Found-U Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in investment management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style can enhance their finance function and drive performance. Show them you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Head of Finance role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in fund accounting and investment management. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the Head of Finance role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've driven performance in finance functions before.
Showcase Your Team Management Skills: Since you'll be leading a team, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage and develop others. Include details about your previous team management experiences and any successes you've had in mentoring team members.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Found-U
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in fund accounting and corporate finance. Brush up on key metrics like NAV, TVPI, and DPI, and be ready to discuss how you've managed these in previous roles.
✨Show Leadership Skills
This role requires someone who can lead from the front. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven performance improvements. Highlight your experience in developing team members and fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Business
Get familiar with the investment management landscape, especially if you have experience in private equity or real estate. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Engage with the CFO's Vision
Since you'll be reporting directly to the CFO, it’s crucial to understand their vision for the finance function. Research the company’s recent developments and be ready to discuss how you can support their strategic objectives during your interview.