At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring compliance and safeguarding customer funds.
- Company: High-growth FCA-regulated payments business with a global client base.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and hybrid working model (2-3 days in office).
- Other info: Opportunity to build robust processes and support ambitious growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and drive financial excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as CFO or Finance Director in regulated financial services or fintech.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
A well-established, FCA-authorised payments institution operating at genuine scale with a global client base is looking for a CFO to own the finance function end-to-end. This is a business with real momentum, serious regulatory standing, and an ambitious growth trajectory. They need the right person to hold the engine together as they accelerate.
As CFO, you'll lead the entire finance function: technical accounting, treasury, payroll, tax, and regulatory reporting. Critically, you'll own the safeguarding of customer funds in line with FCA EMI and PI rules — this isn't a tick-box responsibility, it's central to the business. You'll manage and develop a capable finance team, build and refine scalable processes, and act as the senior finance voice in a regulated, fast-moving environment.
What They're Looking For
- CFO or Finance Director experience in a regulated financial services or fintech environment
- Deep, working knowledge of FCA regulations — EMI, PI, or payments-regulated firm experience strongly preferred
- Strong technical accounting (IFRS / UK GAAP) and hands-on command of the numbers
- Proven experience managing safeguarding accounts and treasury in a payments or e-money business
- A track record of scaling finance operations — building robust processes that hold up under regulatory scrutiny
- London-based or fully committed to hybrid working (2–3 days in office)
The Profile
This isn't the right role for someone who wants to come in, run a transformation programme, and move on. The business doesn't need a Big 4 re-engineer. It needs a steady, operationally excellent finance leader someone who takes pride in running a tight ship, understands the weight of regulatory accountability, and genuinely enjoys building the infrastructure that lets a business grow with confidence. If "rigorous", "process-driven", and "commercially grounded" describe how colleagues talk about you, read on.
The Package
Competitive base and package, commensurate with the seniority of the role. Full details provided to shortlisted candidates. Location: London (Hybrid — 2–3 days in office)
Chief Financial Officer employer: IO Associates
As a leading FCA-regulated payments institution based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that champions employee growth and development. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring that our team remains engaged and connected, making it an ideal environment for finance professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced industry. With competitive compensation packages and a commitment to regulatory excellence, we offer a unique opportunity for those ready to lead and innovate in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and fintech sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s financials and regulatory environment. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their business and can hit the ground running. Bring your A-game with specific examples of how you've navigated similar challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Let’s get you that CFO role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of CFO. Highlight your experience in regulated financial services and any specific FCA regulations you've worked with. 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 this role. Share your passion for finance and how you’ve successfully managed safeguarding accounts and treasury in the past. Let us know why you want to join our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a CFO, you'll be leading a finance team, so make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed teams and built robust processes in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong command of financial metrics and regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of FCA regulations, IFRS, and UK GAAP. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in safeguarding customer funds.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires managing a capable finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in building robust processes and how you’ve led teams through regulatory scrutiny while maintaining operational excellence.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the payments industry and the specific challenges faced by FCA-regulated firms. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s growth trajectory and what strategies you would implement to scale finance operations effectively.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
The company is looking for someone who takes pride in running a tight ship. Prepare to discuss your approach to maintaining rigorous processes and how you ensure compliance without compromising on efficiency. Show them that you’re not just about numbers but also about fostering a positive team culture.
