About the role
We are seeking a growth minded Finance Lead to take full ownership of our financial ecosystem. This isn\’t just a role for someone to \”do the books\”, we need a builder. You will be the architect of our financial infrastructure as we scale from c. 100 people today toward our next major milestones.
As our first full-time Finance Lead, you will bridge the gap between meticulous operational execution (bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance) and high-level strategic partnership. You will be a key advisor to the leadership team, ensuring our unit economics are robust, our growth is sustainable, and our data is investor‑ready at all times.
What you’ll be doing
Strategic Financial Partnership: Act as an adviser to senior management, providing deep‑dive analysis into margins, CAC/LTV, business unit budget performance, and runway to inform critical business decisions.
Operational Excellence: Manage the end‑to‑end financial operations, including bookkeeping, management and statutory accounts preparation, supplier payments, invoicing, and payroll for our c.100‑person team.
System Building: Evaluate, implement, and optimise a modern \”finance stack\” (ERP, expenses, payroll) that can handle the complexity of a rapidly scaling business.
Fundraising & Investor Relations: Maintain a \”clean\” cap table and lead the preparation of financial due diligence for future capital raises and board reporting.
Budgeting & Forecasting: Own the company’s rolling financial model, providing proactive scenario‑based forecasting.
Compliance & Audit: Ensure we remain fully compliant with UK regulations, managing the annual audit process and tax matters (including R&D tax credits, EIS & EMI compliance).
Qualifications
Qualified Professional: You are ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with significant post‑qualified experience, ideally within a high‑growth startup or scale‑up environment.
The \”Full-Stack\” Mindset: You are equally comfortable getting your hands dirty in the ledger as you are presenting a 3‑year strategic plan to the Board.
Data‑Driven: Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills are a given, but you also have the ability to translate \”noise\” into actionable insights.
Process Obsessed: You hate manual entry. You are constantly looking for ways to automate workflows and tighten internal controls.
Communication: You can explain complex financial concepts to non‑finance stakeholders without using jargon.
Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in financial reporting and data analysis.
Adaptability and Problem‑solving: Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and solve complex financial challenges.
Ethical Conduct: Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and high standards of integrity in financial management.
Team player: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and build strong working relationships.
Desirable
Capital Raise Experience: You have previously navigated a Series A/B funding round or worked within a business that has successfully raised external capital.
Benefits
Competitive salary + benefits (bonus, pension, private medical, income protection, death in service)
Potential to get equity in the company in the future
Access to Wellness / mental health support (Headspace App + mental health support through private medical)
Budget for additional learning / cost of exams
Electric vehicle leasing through salary sacrifice / cycle to work scheme
Flexible working hours and hybrid remote working (typically 2-3 days a week working in the office (20 Farringdon Street))
Exceptionally open and diverse, multinational team
Entrepreneurial, creative environment
Join a firm with genuine purpose and impact on our customers, along with a strong moral code
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Contact Detail:
Novawm Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Finance Lead London , United Kingdom
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Show them you’re not just a numbers person, but someone who understands their vision and can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills can help build their financial infrastructure. Make it clear that you’re the builder they need to scale up.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for finance and building systems shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re excited about the opportunity to shape our financial landscape as we grow.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for. Highlight your qualifications, especially if you’ve got ACA, ACCA, or CIMA under your belt, and don’t forget to mention any relevant experience in high-growth environments.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! When you write your cover letter, get straight to the point. Explain how your background makes you the perfect fit for the Finance Lead role and how you can contribute to our mission without unnecessary jargon.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novawm
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like CAC, LTV, and margins. Be ready to discuss how these figures impact strategic decisions and show that you can provide deep-dive analysis.
✨Showcase Your System-Building Skills
This role requires someone who can build and optimise financial systems. Prepare examples of past experiences where you evaluated or implemented financial tools. Highlight your ability to streamline processes and improve operational excellence.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll be explaining complex financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders, so practice simplifying jargon-heavy terms. Think of ways to convey your ideas clearly and concisely, ensuring everyone understands the financial implications.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
In a fast-paced environment, adaptability is key. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled unexpected challenges in previous roles. Share specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to thrive under pressure.