At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of finance operations and build financial processes from scratch.
- Company: Fast-growing FinTech startup with a focus on B2B payments.
- Benefits: Opportunity to grow into CFO role and shape the finance function.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a clear path to leadership and growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in building something impactful and earn the top finance seat.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience, ideally in fintech.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are exclusively retained on a confidential search for a Finance Director (Designate) on behalf of a fast-growing, FCA and DFSA-authorised B2B payments business operating across the UK and MENA region.
Please read before applying: this is a hands-on, build-from-scratch finance role with a clear and defined path to CFO. If you are looking for a strategic seat with a team already in place, this is not it. If you are energised by rolling your sleeves up, building the foundations, and earning the top finance seat as the business hits its next major milestone — read on.
The Role
You will join as Finance Director (Designate) and take hands-on ownership of the finance function from day one. Over an initial period of approximately six-eight months, you will build the financial infrastructure the business needs — processes, controls, reporting and systems — ahead of the company's full trading launch. At that point, subject to performance, you will step up into the CFO role. This is a genuine opportunity to build something from the ground up and grow into the most senior finance position in the business. The CFO seat is the destination — this is the path to get there.
What You Will Actually Be Doing
- Hands-on ownership of day-to-day financial operations — from management accounts to reconciliations
- Building financial processes, controls and reporting frameworks from scratch
- Managing regulatory capital requirements across FCA (UK) and DFSA (UAE) frameworks
- Selecting and implementing finance systems and tools suited to a scaling payments business
- Direct engagement with the CEO and Board on financial performance and strategy
- Treasury management and FX exposure oversight
- Supporting commercial decision-making, budgeting and forecasting
- Preparing the business financially for full trading launch
- Hiring and developing a finance team as the business scales toward and beyond launch
You Will Have
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a senior finance role — ideally within a regulated fintech, payments or e-money business
- Comfortable being the only finance person in the room initially — no team to delegate to from day one
- Strong understanding of FCA regulatory capital and reporting requirements — DFSA experience a distinct advantage
- Experience in cross-border payments, FX or e-money environments highly desirable
- A genuine builder's mindset — you enjoy the detail as much as the strategy
- The commercial acumen and gravitas to step up to CFO and operate at Board and investor level
This is not a role for someone looking to manage a team and delegate the detail. It is for a driven, technically strong finance professional who wants to build something real, prove themselves, and take the top seat when the business is ready for them.
Finance Director (Designate) - FinTech Startup - London employer: LP Recruitment
Join a dynamic FinTech startup in London where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the finance function from the ground up. With a hands-on approach and a clear path to the CFO role, this company fosters a culture of innovation and growth, offering employees the chance to develop their skills in a fast-paced environment while contributing to the company's success in the B2B payments sector across the UK and MENA region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director (Designate) - FinTech Startup - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fintech space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! When you’re chatting with potential employers, highlight your ability to roll up your sleeves and build financial processes from scratch. They want someone who can dive right in, so make sure they know you’re that person.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial landscape. Understand their regulatory requirements and be ready to discuss how you can help them navigate FCA and DFSA frameworks. This will show you’re not just interested in the role, but also invested in their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application in the best light!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director (Designate) - FinTech Startup - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience:Make sure to highlight any hands-on finance roles you've had in the past. We want to see how you've rolled up your sleeves and built financial processes from scratch, just like you'll be doing with us!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match our Finance Director (Designate) role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Demonstrate Your Builder's Mindset:We’re after someone who enjoys both the detail and the strategy. In your application, share examples of how you’ve built financial frameworks or teams in previous roles. Show us that you’re ready to take on this challenge!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at LP Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director (Designate), you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you would approach building financial processes from scratch. Show them you can handle the day-to-day operations and understand the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Builder's Mindset
This role is all about rolling up your sleeves and getting into the nitty-gritty. Prepare examples of past experiences where you’ve built financial frameworks or processes. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you thrive in environments that require a builder's mindset.
✨Understand Regulatory Requirements
Familiarise yourself with FCA and DFSA regulations, as they are crucial for this position. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage regulatory capital requirements and ensure compliance. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just technically strong but also aware of the regulatory landscape.
✨Engage with Strategic Thinking
While the role is hands-on, it’s also strategic. Think about how you can support commercial decision-making and budgeting. Prepare to discuss how you would engage with the CEO and Board on financial performance and strategy, demonstrating your readiness to step up to the CFO role.
