At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial systems transformation and drive AI-driven efficiency across finance processes.
- Company: Join Metrea, a cutting-edge company delivering effects-as-a-service to national security partners.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, gym memberships, and 30 days annual PTO.
- Other info: Work in a hybrid setup with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while leading innovative financial solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven finance transformation experience and expertise in Microsoft D365 required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Company Overview Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas. These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing, building, and operating turnkey capabilities that give our partners decisive, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats.
Position Summary The Head of Financial Systems will be a results-oriented and technologically driven financial leader responsible for enhancing Metrea's finance processes, systems, data and reporting capabilities as the enterprise scales globally. A core focus will be identifying and delivering AI-driven efficiency, automation and process improvement across Finance, reducing manual activity, strengthening controls and improving the speed, accuracy and quality of financial reporting.
The job governs and maintains financial and operational systems so they remain effective, integrated and fit for purpose, and gives Controlling, Treasury and FP&A the reliable data, tools and processes they need. Working closely with Finance and Platform Technology, the Head of Financial Systems will identify where to simplify, automate and improve reporting and analytics, and will lead financial due diligence in partnership with the Investment function and the post-acquisition integration of finance systems and processes.
What You'll Do:
- Systems ownership and governance: Own the Finance systems landscape, with Microsoft D365 at its centre, ensuring it remains effective, integrated and fit for purpose as the enterprise grows. Set and ensure governance for financial and operational systems: access, change control, master data and integration standards. Lead new system selection and rollout end to end, from business case through to adoption, and be accountable for the outcome.
- Process transformation and AI: Map Finance's data workflows, compliance and reporting frameworks; identify systemic inefficiency and gaps; prioritise and deliver fixes. Build AI and large language model capability into month-end, reporting and reconciliation processes, with a clear view of where automation strengthens controls and where it introduces risk. Reduce manual activity across Finance with measured, reportable results.
- Enabling Controlling, Treasury and FP&A: Provide each function with the data, tools and processes it needs to execute its responsibilities without workarounds. Own the reporting and analytics layer, so that financial data is trusted, timely and usable by leadership.
- M&A: Lead financial due diligence workstreams alongside the Investment function. Own post-acquisition integration of finance systems, data and processes, to a defined plan and timeline.
- Team: Lead a globally distributed Financial Systems team across time zones. Develop more Metreans: give direct feedback and grow the team's capability ahead of what the enterprise needs.
What You Bring:
- Experience leading in ambiguous conditions with a broad, shifting problem set; a track record of setting direction rather than waiting for it.
- A record of driving to answers, and the discernment to know when to ask rather than push on alone.
- Proven experience building and developing teams.
- Experience leading a distributed team across time zones.
- Proven finance transformation delivery in a scaling, multi-entity, multi-currency environment, with results you can evidence.
- Deep expertise in accounting and finance processes: month-end, consolidation, controls, reporting.
- Finance systems expertise, including Microsoft D365 in a lead or ownership capacity.
- Demonstrated, practical fluency in AI, automation and emerging technology as applied to Finance, beyond familiarity with the vocabulary.
- Financial due diligence and post-acquisition integration experience.
- Able to run several systems and process changes at once and land them.
- Communicates systems and data decisions in terms of enterprise outcomes.
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent).
This role will be based in either our London or DC office in a hybrid set up (in office 3 days a week) with travel required to our other offices.
Benefits:
- Private Medical Insurance
- Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub
- Electric Car scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrificed pension scheme
- Free lunch on office days
- Enhanced Parental Leave
- 30 days annual PTO plus b/h
Work Authorization / Security Clearance: The employee will have the legal right to work in the UK and will be able to produce right to work documentation.
AAP/EEO Statement: Metrea Management Limited (MAM) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or other characteristics protected by law.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Work Environment: Hybrid, Hammersmith, 3 days per week. Travel 25%.
Head of Financial Systems in London employer: Metrea
Metrea is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and mission-driven work culture, where trust and impact are at the forefront of our operations. As a Global People Partner in the Digital & Synthetics team, you will have the opportunity to shape workforce strategies and policies while collaborating with leaders across the UK/EU and US, ensuring your contributions directly influence our growth. We prioritise employee development and offer a supportive environment that encourages unlocking potential, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Systems in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Metrea. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Metrea.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Metrea. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Systems in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Metrea and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Metrea how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Metrea
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Metrea.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Metrea's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
