At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape financial strategy and drive decision-making for a rapidly growing fintech.
- Company: Join OakNorth, the bank for ambitious businesses in the UK and US.
- Benefits: Equity, 25 days holiday, personalised benefits, and subsidised private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a dynamic environment with significant growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in finance, strong relationship-building skills, and experience in fintech or banking.
- Other info: Inspire talent and foster a culture of excellence within a collaborative leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
OakNorth is the bank for the UK’s most ambitious businesses. Since 2015, we’ve lent over $21bn across the UK and US, helping businesses grow, create jobs and build for the future — while delivering strong outcomes for our customers and savers. We specialise in backing businesses that don’t fit neatly into traditional banking models, combining expert human judgement with technology to deliver bespoke lending solutions.
OakNorth Bank is seeking an exceptional Head of Finance, Planning & Analysis to play a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s financial strategy and driving high-impact decision-making across the business. In this influential role, you will partner closely with the CEO, CFO, European Leadership Team (ELT), and senior business leaders to steer performance, unlock commercial opportunities, and support OakNorth’s next phase of growth and diversification. This role will lead the financial strategy, performance management, and integration of this expansion into Group planning and reporting.
You will operate at the intersection of strategy and execution — providing strategic insight to leadership while building and refining the analytical frameworks that power smarter, faster, and more informed decisions. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the financial narrative of one of the UK’s most successful and ambitious fintechs as it scales across new products, geographies, and distribution channels.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Partner with the Group CEO, CFO, ELT and business leads to deliver strategic insights and performance analysis, including tracking, reporting, and ad hoc requests.
- Lead strategic projects, evaluating new business opportunities and partnerships to ensure strong commercial viability.
- Build and optimise financial planning frameworks, embedding automation, scalability, and predictive insight into core reporting and forecasting processes.
- Drive cost efficiency and capital productivity, ensuring resources are optimally allocated to maximise growth and return on investment.
- Create and contribute to ELT and Board materials that shape strategic priorities and inform key decisions.
- Partnering with the Chief Lending Officer and Origination team to drive commercial pricing strategy, set pricing targets, enhance profitability, and drive sustainable returns.
- Collaborate with Corporate Development, contributing to investor relations, financial analysis for stakeholders, and the modelling of new growth opportunities.
- Inspire and develop talent as a key member of the Finance leadership team, coaching high-performing individuals and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
- Strengthen financial control and governance, maintaining robust risk management frameworks aligned with OakNorth’s growth ambitions.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven ability to build strong relationships with senior leadership, demonstrating both credibility and conviction.
- Commercially focused and entrepreneurial; a proactive business partner.
- Highly efficient in Finance operations, with experience establishing scalable processes and tools.
- Track record of leading large-scale projects through collaboration, navigating ambiguity to deliver results.
- Deep experience in financial modelling for new business areas – ideally within banking, fintech, or tech.
- Understanding of regulated environments, with the ability to operate effectively within them.
- Experience in high-intensity, customer-focused start-up or growth-stage environments.
- Adaptable, agile, and resilient to change; comfortable working at pace.
- Proactive, independent, and results driven.
- Strong grasp of B2B SaaS and digital business models, customer experience, and technological innovation.
- Minimum 10+ years’ experience (flexible depending on fit and scope).
Benefits & Perks
- Equity. We want people to have a stake in the business so that all our interests are aligned.
- 25 days holiday.
- Personalized benefits – opt-in to what matters to you.
- Subsidised Private Medical Insurance with Bupa.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Wellbeing and social events.
- In-house Barista Bar in London office.
- Support causes that matter to you – Volunteering time off.
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to work, nursery, gym, electric car scheme).
Head of Finance, Planning & Analysis employer: OakNorth Analytical Intelligence
Contact Detail:
OakNorth Analytical Intelligence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance, Planning & Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the finance and fintech sectors, especially those who might know someone at OakNorth. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into OakNorth's recent projects and financial strategies. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their unique approach to banking.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Finance, Planning & Analysis. We want to hear how you can drive performance and unlock opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance, Planning & Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Finance, Planning & Analysis role. Highlight your experience in financial strategy and performance management, as well as any relevant projects you've led that align with OakNorth's goals.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've driven growth, improved processes, or enhanced profitability. We want to see how you can bring that same energy to OakNorth!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for fintech and how you envision contributing to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it reaches the right people quickly. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at OakNorth Analytical Intelligence
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how your insights have influenced business strategy.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with OakNorth's unique banking model and its approach to lending. Show that you understand how fintech operates differently from traditional banks, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth and diversification strategies.
✨Build Rapport with Leadership
This role involves close collaboration with the CEO, CFO, and other senior leaders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and think about how you can establish credibility quickly. Consider how your past experiences align with their goals and how you can support their vision.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about strategic projects and commercial opportunities. Prepare to discuss your experience in leading large-scale projects and how you've navigated ambiguity to achieve results. Think about how you can bring innovative ideas to the table that align with OakNorth's ambitions.