At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and analytics to enhance supplier acceptance in SME ecosystems.
- Company: Join Mastercard, a leader in digital payments and financial inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and drive change in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on SMEs by optimising cash flow and payment solutions.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in finance or working-capital consulting; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Mastercard's Commercial & New Payment Flows (CNPF) business focuses on digitizing and scaling payment opportunities by capturing new payment flows, including B2B transactions.
Within CNPF, the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) group is dedicated to building differentiated propositions for SME customers through partnerships, data-driven sales, customer engagement, and channel distribution with non-traditional players such as SMEs wholesalers, ISVs and payment facilitators.
The SME sector represents a strategic priority aimed at empowering underserved businesses, simplifying payment acceptance, improving cash flow, and driving financial inclusion.
Role Overview
The Director of Working Capital Analysis leads strategy, analytics, and execution of initiatives focused on improving supplier acceptance and adoption within SME ecosystems.
This position sits at the intersection of finance, payments, and commercial strategy, translating complex working‑capital dynamics into scalable solutions that accelerate supplier onboarding, improve cash‑conversion cycles and unlock value for both buyers and suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy & Leadership – Define and execute a Cashflow & Working Capital optimisation strategy supporting Sales Teams and Customers in the SME supplier space on Virtual Card flows; partner with Sales, Product and Partnerships to design SME supplier acceptance strategies that improve supplier penetration and transaction flows; act as a thought leader on SME liquidity challenges, supplier enablement and working‑capital optimisation with clear ROI.
- SME Supplier Working Capital Analysis & Performance Reporting – Develop supplier and vertical‑specific business cases to improve Cashflow and Working Capital (including DPO, DSO, and overall liquidity); quantify and benchmark the benefits of payment solutions such as virtual cards and supply chain finance using internal and external data.
- Supplier Acceptance & Ecosystem Development – Drive initiatives to increase SME supplier acceptance of digital payments across key verticals, identify barriers to adoption and design mitigation strategies; support SME suppliers in enabling their buyers to adopt modern payment methods.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Partner closely with MA Sales, Risk, Compliance, Product and Operations teams to shape acceptance tools, onboarding journeys and incentive structures; collaborate with SME suppliers, financial institutions and fintech partners to co‑develop solutions; deliver executive‑level management reports, dashboards and insights that inform strategic decisions and opportunities.
- Information Security – Ensure compliance with Mastercard’s security policies and practices, maintain confidentiality and integrity of accessed information, report suspected violations, and complete mandatory security training.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- 10+ years in working‑capital consulting, corporate or supply‑chain finance.
- Deep expertise in cash‑flow and working‑capital optimisation (DPO, DSO, etc.).
- Proven experience in SME ecosystems, supplier enablement or B2B payments; experience in payment networks, financial institutions or high‑growth fintech is a plus.
- Strong understanding of digital payments, card acceptance, AP/AR automation and supply‑chain finance solutions.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to translate data insights into business outcomes.
- Analytical excellence – advanced skills in data interpretation and storytelling.
- Commercial acumen – translate insights into revenue‑generating initiatives.
- Leadership & influence – drive change across functions and stakeholders.
- Communication – simplify complex data into compelling narratives.
- Execution focus – deliver actionable outcomes in fast‑paced environments.
- Team player – embrace the Mastercard Way.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Working Capital Analysis & Supplier Acceptance, SME Europe 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 Mastercard. 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 Director, Working Capital Analysis & Supplier Acceptance, SME Europe 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 Mastercard.
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 Mastercard'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 Mastercard
✨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 Mastercard.
✨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 Mastercard 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 Mastercard 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.
