At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and ensure safeguarding of customer funds in a regulated environment.
- Company: High-growth FCA-regulated payments business with a global client base.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for someone who thrives in operational excellence and regulatory accountability.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in driving financial excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience as CFO or Finance Director in regulated financial services or fintech.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 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.
The Role
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)
Strategic CFO – Regulated Payments, Growth & Safeguarding employer: IO Associates
Join a dynamic and high-growth FCA-regulated payments business in London, where you will play a pivotal role as CFO in shaping the finance function of a company with a strong regulatory standing and ambitious growth plans. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that values operational excellence and offers significant opportunities for professional development, all while benefiting from a competitive compensation package and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic CFO – Regulated Payments, Growth & Safeguarding
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and fintech sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that CFO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience with FCA regulations and safeguarding customer funds. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, use this to demonstrate how you can add value to their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job that fits your skills, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s growth trajectory and regulatory challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your operational excellence and process-driven mindset can help them scale effectively. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic CFO – Regulated Payments, Growth & Safeguarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of CFO in a regulated payments environment. Highlight your experience with FCA regulations and any relevant fintech background. We want to see how your skills align with what they're looking for!
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 specific examples of how you've managed safeguarding accounts or scaled finance operations in the past. Let us see your passion for the industry!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a CFO, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed finance teams and built robust processes. We want to know how you can keep the engine running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our high-growth team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Know Your FCA Regulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of FCA regulations, especially around EMI and PI rules. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the regulatory landscape and can navigate it effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Skills
Prepare to showcase your technical accounting skills, particularly in IFRS and UK GAAP. Bring examples of how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in a regulated environment, to highlight your hands-on command of the numbers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience managing finance teams and developing scalable processes. Share specific instances where you've built robust operations that can withstand regulatory scrutiny, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Operational Excellence
This role requires someone who takes pride in running a tight ship. Prepare to discuss how you've maintained operational excellence in past positions, focusing on your process-driven approach and how it has contributed to business growth.
