Head of Finance - Risk and Controls

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money.

Wise’s mission is to provide money without borders – instant, convenient, transparent and eventually free. Whether people and businesses are sending money abroad, spending globally, or making and receiving international payments, we’re on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money.

As part of our team, you will help create a new network for the world\’s money.

Job Summary

London (3+ days per week)

£110,000 – £150,000 per annum

We need an experienced professional in SOX, risks, and controls to join our 1.5 line of defence team in Finance. Your work will strengthen our internal control environment, monitor and report, and help the business achieve its mission.

Responsibilities

• Drive our SOX implementation by designing and delivering governance, methodologies and reporting for our SOX program.
• Provide insight and support to remediate key control gaps and report on progress to senior management and the audit committee.
• Build formal SOX training and communications to support our first line to understand and comply with SOX requirements; provide ongoing advisory support to first‑line colleagues.
• Lead a high‑performing team of approximately six individuals, setting clear expectations, giving regular feedback and ensuring successful delivery of team initiatives.
• Partner with finance and non‑finance teams, such as IT, to deliver the SOX program.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including finance teams, Risk, and Internal Audit, to establish standards, policies, and to develop KRIs for measuring and monitoring risks continuously.

Opportunities

• Own your own path to success – you’ll have a high level of autonomy and responsibility.
• Develop an in‑depth knowledge of Wise’s business – partner with many teams across finance and the business to help implement a risk and controls culture.
• Grow with the role – you will have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills and grow your own team as the business and finance function increase in complexity.
• Stepping stone – this role provides an excellent platform for someone looking to step into a Treasury Function in a fast‑growing fintech.

Qualifications

• Professional finance qualification such as the CFA, FRM, CAIA, ACA or equivalent (CPA / ACCA). Detailed knowledge of risks and controls is a must.
• Demonstrable experience leading and managing teams on multiple assignments, preferably within financial services and first‑hand experience in either testing or implementing SOX requirements.
• Proven ability to roll up sleeves and take responsibility to solve problems.
• Commercial acumen – understanding how a balanced approach to risk and controls supports business growth.
• Collaborative mindset – works well in a multinational team environment, knowing how to have an impact through others.
• Development focus – keen to learn and develop knowledge of how a fintech and fast‑growing scale‑up operates.

Our Finance and Treasury teams are spread across the globe, so there are many video calls and some travel involved (potentially once a quarter).