At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial operations for innovative portfolio companies focused on sustainability.
- Company: Join the UK's largest female-owned venture capital firm, Greensphere Capital.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration with CEOs.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team tackling climate change through finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with hands-on experience in financial management.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Location: Full-time, based in or within regular access to London, with some travel to portfolio companies across the UK required.
Reports to: Greensphere Capital's Portfolio CFO for the Gaia Sciences Innovation Fund (GSI)
Start date: As soon as possible
Contract: Permanent, full-time basis (4 days or flexible hours could also be considered)
About Greensphere Capital: Greensphere Capital is a fund manager and the UK's largest female-owned venture capital firm, with more than 15 years at the forefront of pioneering sustainable investing. Gaia Sciences Innovation (GSI) is a science-led growth equity fund investing and scaling best in class profitable businesses that mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss.
The Role: This is a broad, hands-on Financial Controller role, created to give portfolio companies across Greensphere's GSI fund the day-to-day financial management they need to scale – from setting up banking and finance infrastructure for newly onboarded companies, to reviewing management accounts and payments across the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
- Bookkeeping & Financial Control: Ownership of day-to-day bookkeeping, using Xero, for the portfolio company(ies) in scope; maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of all income, expenditure, assets, and liabilities; management of accounts payable and receivable; monthly bank reconciliations; preparation of timely monthly management accounts; supporting the preparation of statutory accounts.
- Intercompany & Multi-Entity Accounting: Managing intercompany cross-charges; maintaining a clear audit trail across group entities.
- New Portfolio Company Onboarding: Setting up operational finance infrastructure for newly onboarded portfolio companies; supporting financial due diligence and reporting.
- Reporting & Analytics: Producing regular management information; supporting the Fractional Portfolio CFO on financial modelling; preparing board-level financial summaries.
- Tax, Compliance & Statutory Obligations: Supporting Tax and VAT return preparation; assisting with year-end close; monitoring filing deadlines.
- Operations & General Finance Support: Handling a wide range of operational finance tasks; managing commercial insurance policies; administering banking relationships.
About You:
Essential: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent); minimum two years' post-qualification experience; proven experience working with Xero; strong working knowledge of multi-entity group accounting; excellent attention to detail; strong communication skills; UK-based and able to travel to London or Cambridge for meetings when required.
Desirable: Experience in a start-up, scale-up, or founder-led business; familiarity with portfolio company finance support; understanding of FRS 102 (UK GAAP) and awareness of IFRS.
This role may suit a returner to finance who brings strong prior experience and is looking for a flexible, substantive role with real scope.
What We Offer: A broad, genuinely varied role with real responsibility from day one, and exposure across multiple nature-positive businesses; direct access to and collaboration with portfolio company CEOs; the opportunity to build and shape the finance function across several growing technology and nature-positive businesses; a supportive, entrepreneurial team that values pragmatism, initiative, and good humour.
Financial Controller - Portfolio Businesses employer: Greensphere Capital
Greensphere Capital is an excellent employer, offering a flexible home-based role that allows you to thrive in a dynamic tech growth environment. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration with senior leadership, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while contributing to meaningful financial management across multiple entities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - Portfolio Businesses
✨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 Greensphere Capital. 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 Financial Controller - Portfolio Businesses
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 Greensphere Capital.
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 Greensphere Capital'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 Greensphere Capital
✨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 Greensphere Capital.
✨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 Greensphere Capital 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 Greensphere Capital 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.
