At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control, manage audits, and modernise workflows with AI.
- Company: Mako, a leading options market maker with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible leave, hybrid working, private health insurance, and gym access.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in finance innovation.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial control and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
At Mako, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive innovation in pursuit of our collective ambition; excellence in trading. Our diverse community is connected through a commitment to being the best we can be with the highest standards of integrity.
The Financial Controller (AI-Native) will work closely with the Group Finance Director, junior finance colleagues, external auditors, and cross-functional teams in Technology and Operations. In this hands-on leadership role, you will own the day-to-day financial control environment, close, and reporting processes, while actively modernising and automating workflows to build a highly scalable, trusted, and AI-native finance operation.
What you’ll be involved in:
- Owning the financial control environment and ensuring overall financial integrity across the global multi-entity group.
- Managing month-end close, management reporting, and the accuracy and quality of recurring finance outputs.
- Preparing and reviewing statutory financial statements across multiple entities and jurisdictions.
- Leading the end-to-end audit process, including planning, evidence gathering, auditor queries, and coordinating key internal and external stakeholders to drive audits to completion.
- Developing and mentoring a team of 2–3 junior finance colleagues, holding them accountable and elevating standard accounting practices.
- Overseeing banking, payments, bookkeeping, accounts payable, and core finance operations controls.
- Identifying weak, manual, or fragile processes and rebuilding them into scalable, automated workflows.
- Utilising AI, modern workflows, and systems tools hands-on to improve reporting speed, accuracy, and documentation.
- Acting as senior finance cover and a trusted number-two partner to the Group Finance Director.
- Bringing independent judgment and constructive challenge where numbers, controls, or processes require optimisation.
What we need from you:
- A fully qualified professional accounting credential (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with robust technical expertise.
- Proven financial control, technical accounting, close, audit, and statutory reporting experience.
- Extensive experience preparing or reviewing financial statements across multiple entities and jurisdictions.
- Demonstrated leadership capability in managing, developing, and raising standards in a small finance operations team.
- Robust project management and change delivery capability, especially in audits or finance transformation initiatives.
- An innovative, hands-on automation mindset, with practical experience utilising Excel automation, workflow tools, AI, Power Query, or modern finance systems.
- A rigorous control mindset accompanied by exceptional attention to detail.
- A confident and diplomatic communication style, enabling you to form independent views and respectfully challenge senior leadership.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a comfort operating in a fast-paced, detail-focused environment.
We are Mako
At Mako, we are welcoming, inclusive and collaborative. We work fast and smart in a supportive and dress-down environment that allows colleagues to be themselves and achieve great things. We uphold the principles of a flat structure that offers unrivalled engagement with senior leadership and career development opportunities.
We have a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Flexible leave and hybrid working policies
- Private health and dental insurance
- Generous pension scheme
- Free access to the Mako gym
- Employee wellbeing guidance and support
- Opportunity to become involved in the rewarding work of the Mako Foundation
About Mako
Mako is a leading options market maker with a global trading footprint. It has been at the forefront of options market making since 1999, from the open outcry trading pits to screen trading and automated algorithmic execution strategies that are driving the future of the industry. From offices in London, Dublin, Amsterdam, Singapore, Sydney, Brisbane and Chengdu, Mako offers the best-in-class liquidity solutions across Equities, Fixed Income, Commodities and FX derivatives markets and prides itself in its entrepreneurial, collaborative and philanthropic culture.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process, please email hr@mako.com and we will arrange this.
Financial Controller in London employer: Mako
At Mako, we foster a dynamic and inclusive work environment where collaboration drives innovation and excellence in trading. As an IT Operations Analyst, you'll benefit from flexible working policies, comprehensive health coverage, and a strong focus on employee development, all while being part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages automation to enhance efficiency. With direct engagement with senior leadership and opportunities to participate in philanthropic initiatives, Mako is committed to not just your career growth but also to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in London
✨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 Mako. 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 in London
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 Mako.
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 Mako'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 Mako
✨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 Mako.
✨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 Mako 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 Mako 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.
