At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of accounting for IPO readiness and build a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Preply, a rapidly growing Ed-Tech company with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a multicultural team driving innovation in education technology.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-ownership role with direct visibility to leadership.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in accounting with Big Four experience and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
We’re hiring a Director of Accounting / Controller to help lead Preply through its next phase of growth and build the accounting foundation required for IPO readiness. This is not a steady-state role. Preply has scaled rapidly - and now needs to upgrade its accounting infrastructure, processes, and team to public-company standards. You will lead that transformation.
You’ll partner closely with the VP Accounting and CFO to build a function that is:
- Fast (disciplined, compressed close)
- Clean (accurate, reliable financials)
- Audit-ready (SOX-compliant, externally trusted)
- AI-enabled (automated, insight-driven)
This is a high-ownership, high-impact role with direct visibility to leadership, auditors, and future public market stakeholders.
What you’ll be doing:
- Build and scale the accounting function
- Own and transform the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, driving significant improvements in speed, structure, and discipline
- Build a SOX 404-compliant controls environment from the ground up
- Establish public-company-grade reporting, including audit-ready financial statements
- Lead technical accounting across complex areas (revenue, SBC, consolidation, etc.)
- Drive transformation and automation
- Identify and eliminate manual processes through automation and AI-enabled workflows
- Improve data quality, systems, and reporting infrastructure (NetSuite, etc.)
- Deliver step-change efficiency gains across accounting operations
- Build and lead a high-performing team
- Assess current team capabilities and upgrade talent where needed
- Define the right structure, roles, and responsibilities for scale
- Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and excellence
- Partner across the business
- Work closely with FP&A, Legal, Tax, and Operations to ensure alignment
- Act as a trusted advisor to Finance leadership on IPO readiness
- Partner with auditors and external advisors to ensure smooth execution
What you need to succeed:
- Big Four background (PwC, Deloitte, EY, or KPMG)
- 10+ years of experience in accounting, including leadership roles
- Proven experience building or transforming accounting functions in high-growth environments
- Hands-on experience with SOX 404 design and implementation
- Strong expertise in US GAAP and external reporting (10-K, 10-Q, S-1 exposure)
- Track record of improving close processes and operational rigor
- Strong people leadership and ability to drive change
Nice to have:
- Pre-IPO or IPO experience
- Experience in SaaS, marketplace, or global tech companies
- Exposure to automation / AI in finance
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Preply.com is committed to creating an inclusive environment where people of diverse backgrounds can thrive. We believe that the presence of different opinions and viewpoints is a key ingredient for our success as a multicultural Ed-Tech company. That means that Preply will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or veteran status.
Director of Accounting / Controller in London employer: Preply
At Preply, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters creativity and innovation in a collaborative work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive culture, where team members are encouraged to explore new ideas and develop their skills. Located in a vibrant city, we offer unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a focus on work-life balance, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in user engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Accounting / Controller in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with IPOs or high-growth environments. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for a role as impactful as Director of Accounting.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company's financials and recent news. Show us that you understand Preply's growth trajectory and how your skills can help build that accounting foundation for IPO readiness. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your past experiences; bring them to life with specific examples. We want to hear about how you've transformed accounting functions or improved close processes. Make it relatable and relevant to what Preply needs right now.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Preply team and ready to take on this high-impact role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Accounting / Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Accounting role. Highlight your Big Four background and any relevant leadership roles you've held, as we want to see how you can drive transformation in our accounting function.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your experience with SOX compliance and public company standards makes you the perfect fit for us. Be sure to mention any automation or AI projects you've led!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse into your leadership style. We’re looking for someone who can build and lead a high-performing team, so share examples of how you've fostered accountability and excellence in your previous roles.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Preply
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re well-versed in the financial metrics and accounting standards relevant to the role. Brush up on US GAAP, SOX compliance, and any recent changes in regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but are ready to lead the transformation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built or transformed accounting functions in high-growth environments. Highlight your experience in leading teams and driving change. This role is all about ownership and impact, so be ready to demonstrate how you’ve fostered a culture of accountability and excellence in your previous positions.
✨Emphasise Automation and AI Experience
Since the role involves improving processes through automation, come prepared with specific examples of how you’ve implemented AI-enabled workflows or automated manual processes in the past. Discuss the tools you’ve used, like NetSuite, and the efficiencies gained from these initiatives.
✨Be a Trusted Advisor
Think about how you can position yourself as a trusted advisor to finance leadership. Prepare to discuss how you’ve partnered with other departments like FP&A, Legal, and Tax in previous roles. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving IPO readiness and building a robust accounting function.
