At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and drive strategic financial performance in a high-growth startup.
- Company: Join a dynamic Series A company transforming the life insurance industry with AI.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with top-tier investors backing our mission.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of financial innovation and make a real impact on the business.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in strategic finance with strong analytical and leadership skills.
Join our team and accelerate your career. Life insurance is a complex and consequential purchase that impacts hundreds of millions of Americans — and it's about to experience a massive AI transformation, impacting over 500,000 professionals today. We're building the AI-powered software, agents, and workflows that change how life insurance gets bought and sold, making it faster, smarter, and easier for advisors and their clients.
We are a high-growth Series A company that has raised $35M from top-tier investors, including Thrive Capital, New York Life, and Northwestern Mutual.
We're hiring a Director of Finance to own our finance function end-to-end — from the company financial model and budget through commissions, the revenue engine of our brokerage business. Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll be the company's finance leader: part strategic partner, part hands-on operator. You'll take over a function built by a founding operating team member and partner closely with our Head of Business Operations, our outsourced accounting firm, and leadership to keep the business financially sharp as we scale.
What You’ll Do
- Own the company financial model. Maintain and expand the model that links key business drivers to company goals, and keep leadership and the board honest about where we’re headed.
- Drive budgeting and forecasting. Run the annual budget and ongoing reforecasting cycles, working with every team to tie resource allocation to strategic goals.
- Support fundraising and strategic finance. Prepare materials and analysis for fundraising, investor updates, and strategic partnerships.
- Manage financial operations. Own the relationship with our outsourced accounting partner, oversee month-end close, AP/AR, and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
- Deliver management and board reporting. Build the reporting cadence that gives leadership and the board clear insight into business performance, unit economics, and runway.
- Partner on headcount and unit economics. Work with the CEO and Head of People on headcount planning, comp modeling, staffing ratios, and the unit economics that drive org design decisions.
- Own commissions. Oversee the commission engine at the heart of our brokerage economics: carrier commission structures and margins, advisor payout tiers, weekly commission processing, and the reporting that keeps advisors and carriers whole.
- Work AI-natively. Use AI tooling to automate reporting, analysis, and finance workflows so a lean function punches above its weight.
Who You Are
- 7+ years of strategic finance (FP&A) experience ideally in high-growth startup finance.
- You’ve owned budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling with a track record of driving financial performance against targets.
- Exceptional analytical skills — able to drill into the weeds while maintaining a strategic lens.
- Comfortable being the sole finance owner: managing an outsourced accounting firm rather than a big internal team, and doing the work yourself when needed.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, working collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.
- Bonus: experience with insurance, brokerage, or commission-based revenue models, foundation in management consulting or investment banking.
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
The anticipated annual base salary range for this role is $200,000–$240,000. Actual compensation within this range will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.
Director of Finance in London employer: Modern Life
Join a dynamic and innovative team at the forefront of the life insurance industry, where your design expertise will directly impact the lives of millions. Our collaborative culture fosters creativity and growth, offering you the opportunity to lead design initiatives while working alongside passionate professionals in a vibrant SoHo office. With competitive compensation and a commitment to employee development, we empower you to thrive in your career and make a meaningful difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance 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 Modern Life. 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 of Finance 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 Modern Life.
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 Modern Life'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 Modern Life
✨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 Modern Life.
✨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 Modern Life 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 Modern Life 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.
