At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI initiatives in Finance, transforming challenges into impactful solutions.
- Company: Join Planet, a global leader in tech and payments solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance with cutting-edge AI technology and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in AI solutions and finance processes, with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Planet is a global provider of integrated technology and payments solutions for retail and hospitality customers. We create great experiences for the millions of people who use our payments, software, and tax-free solutions every minute of every day. Planet empowers its customers to deliver great customer experiences by combining payments and software in ways that drive greater loyalty, increase revenue and save time. Founded over 35 years ago and with our headquarters in London, today we have more than 2,500 employees located across six continents serving our customers in more than 120 markets.
Role overview: We are seeking a head of AI embedded within Finance, operating as a highly autonomous individual contributor responsible for identifying, shaping, and delivering AI-driven value across the function. This is a Head-of-level role with a small team, requiring an entrepreneurial, self-directed approach that combines strategy, stakeholder management, solution design, and hands-on delivery. The role works directly with the CFO and SVP Finance, acting as the single accountable owner for AI outcomes within Finance.
What you will do:
- Identify and deliver high-impact AI use cases across Finance (FP&A, AP/AR, reconciliations, reporting, controls)
- Translate Finance problems into deployable AI solutions
- Drive end-to-end ownership from idea through MVP, production, adoption, and measurable ROI
- In line with our wider AI operating model, AI Leads own use case identification, ROI, delivery, and reporting — acting as the accountable business lead across the full lifecycle.
Strategic Ownership (Finance AI Roadmap):
- Partner directly with the CFO and SVP Finance to define the AI roadmap for Finance
- Identify high-value opportunities across cost reduction, automation, revenue insight, and risk control
- Build and maintain a prioritised backlog of AI use cases
- Define success metrics including ROI, efficiency, accuracy, and cycle time
End-to-End Use Case Delivery:
- Own full lifecycle delivery, including: Problem definition, Business case and ROI, Solution design, Build (hands-on where required), Deployment and scaling
- Operate as a player-coach and builder, not solely a strategist
- Ensure solutions progress from MVP to scaled adoption to measurable impact
Senior Stakeholder Management:
- Act as the primary AI point of contact for Finance leadership
- Engage directly with the CFO, SVP Finance, Finance Directors, and Heads of Function
- Translate complex AI concepts into clear commercial outcomes
- Manage expectations, prioritisation, and trade-offs
Hands-on Solution Design and Delivery:
- Design and (where required) build: Automation workflows, AI agents (e.g. reconciliation, query handling, reporting assistants), Data pipelines and integrations (e.g. Snowflake, Workday, ERP systems)
- Integrate with enterprise platforms such as Copilot, Bedrock, and our internal AI stack
Governance, Risk, and Compliance:
- Ensure all Finance AI solutions align with data governance, financial controls, and regulatory requirements
- Partner with Legal, Security, and Compliance to de-risk deployments
- Embed responsible AI practices and auditability into every solution
Adoption and Value Realisation:
- Drive genuine adoption within Finance teams, not just delivery
- Track and report on cost savings (OPEX), productivity gains, and accuracy improvements
- Ensure solutions are reusable and scalable across Finance and the wider business
- Success in this role is measured by ROI, adoption, and measurable operational value.
Operating Model:
- Structure: Embedded in Finance, functionally aligned to the AI Centre of Excellence
- Working style: Highly autonomous, self-prioritising, and execution-focused
- Key interfaces: Finance leadership (primary), AI CoE (standards, platform, support), Data and Engineering teams (delivery support)
Who you are:
- Proven experience delivering AI and automation solutions within a business function, ideally Finance
- Strong understanding of Finance processes, including reconciliation, AP/AR, reporting, and controls
- Ability to operate as a self-sufficient individual contributor across both strategy and delivery
- Experience working with senior stakeholders at SVP and CFO level
- Hands-on capability across: AI tooling (LLMs, agents, automation platforms), Data and integration work (SQL, APIs, pipelines)
- Commercially minded — prioritises ROI and business outcomes over experimentation
- Builder mindset — comfortable being hands-on alongside strategic work
- High ownership — accountable for outcomes, not activity
- Executive presence — able to challenge, influence, and earn trust with senior stakeholders
Nice to have:
- Experience with ERP systems (Workday, SAP, or equivalent)
- Experience with Snowflake or comparable data platforms
- Familiarity with AWS or Azure AI services
- Background in FinTech or high-volume transaction environments
Why Planet: Planet is an equal opportunity employer where diversity is valued, and all employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. Come and grow your career in the most exciting, fast paced technology market, with a business that delivers feel-good connected commerce.
We would love to hear from you – Apply now. At Planet, we embrace a hybrid work model, with three days a week in the office. Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to allow for an individual to perform the essential functions of this role successfully.
Head of AI - Finance in London employer: Planet Paymet
At Planet, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development in the fast-paced technology sector, all while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid work model across vibrant locations like Porto, Warsaw, London, and Madrid. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values your contributions and empowers you to drive meaningful change in the finance landscape through AI solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of AI - 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 Planet Paymet. 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 Head of AI - 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 Planet Paymet.
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 Planet Paymet'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 Planet Paymet
✨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 Planet Paymet.
✨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 Planet Paymet 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 Planet Paymet 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.
