At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and modernise systems for a global music media brand.
- Company: Resident Advisor, a cornerstone of the electronic music community since 2001.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible work options, wellness initiatives, and team events.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to community and environmental impact.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of music culture with innovative finance solutions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with CFO experience in growth and transformation.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
Founded in 2001, Resident Advisor (RA) is one of the world's longest-running music media brands and a cornerstone of the dance, electronic and DJ ecosystem. The site's audience of over 7 million monthly users is drawn in by a combination of news, editorial, club listings and ticketing, RA-branded events at venues and festivals worldwide, original films and a weekly mix series that has run for 20 years. Today, RA operates a complex global business spanning ticketing, media, events, agency services, and software. Hundreds of millions move through our platform each year across multiple markets, entities, currencies, and payment flows. As we enter our next phase, the challenge is not simply growth. It is building the systems, infrastructure, and operational leverage that allow us to scale efficiently while continuing to serve the culture that made RA what it is.
Purpose: RA is entering a period where operational leverage, payments infrastructure, systems architecture, data visibility, and AI-enabled efficiency will be as important to long-term success as revenue growth itself. This is not a traditional finance leadership role. While ownership of financial planning, governance, reporting, and capital efficiency remains fundamental, the broader mandate is to build the systems, infrastructure, controls, and decision-making frameworks that allow a complex global platform business to operate with greater speed, visibility, and leverage. Working closely with engineering, product, data, and commercial leaders, the CFO will modernise how information flows through the organisation, improve payments and financial infrastructure, unlock AI-driven efficiencies, and create the operational foundations required for sustainable growth. The successful candidate will see finance, data, systems, payments, and operational design as parts of the same problem: building a company that can scale efficiently while preserving the culture, independence, and ambition that make RA unique.
Operating architecture and operational leverage
- Lead a comprehensive review of RA’s financial, operational, payments, and reporting infrastructure, and modernise the tooling and processes needed for the next stage of scale.
- Design and implement the operational and commercial architecture required to support a significantly larger business.
- Partner closely with Engineering, Product and Data to improve visibility, decision-making, automation, and operational efficiency across the company.
- Identify and deploy AI-enabled opportunities that improve productivity, decision quality, and operating efficiency.
- Lead ERP selection and implementation alongside broader finance and operational systems modernisation.
- Improve payments infrastructure, settlement processes, controls, and financial workflows across a high-volume global platform.
Financial performance and value creation
- Own the company’s long-range financial plan and help drive a substantial increase in profitability and enterprise value.
- Improve cash generation, working capital efficiency, and capital allocation.
- Establish clear operating metrics, forecasting processes, and performance frameworks that connect strategy to measurable outcomes.
- Improve visibility into performance across RA’s various business models and revenue streams.
- Partner with commercial leaders on pricing, margin optimisation, commercial discipline, and investment decisions.
- Provide financial insight and challenge that improves decision-making across the leadership team.
Governance, risk, and stewardship
- Serve as the independent financial voice to the Board and shareholders.
- Own the integrity, reliability, and usability of the financial information used to run the company.
- Maintain effective financial controls across a multi-entity, multi-currency international business.
- Oversee treasury, compliance, audit, legal coordination, and financial risk management.
- Ensure payments, fraud, chargeback, settlement, and regulatory risks remain appropriately managed as the business scales.
- Continue improving the speed, efficiency, and automation of core finance processes and reporting cycles.
Who we are looking for:
- Genuine affinity for electronic music culture and RA's mission.
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a proven CFO track record in growth and transformation.
- Experience leading large-scale operational, systems, infrastructure, or finance transformation within a complex platform, marketplace, payments, software, or technology business.
- A track record of improving profitability, cash generation, and operational efficiency without compromising culture or growth.
- Strong understanding of payments, transaction flows, working capital management, and platform economics.
- Comfortable operating across multiple entities, currencies, jurisdictions, and regulatory environments.
- Able to move seamlessly between strategic thinking and operational execution.
- Highly analytical, commercially minded, and deeply curious about how systems work.
- Strong collaborator who can build credibility across finance, product, engineering, data, and commercial teams.
What we offer you:
- Generous annual leave policies aimed at promoting work-life balance.
- Flexibility in working arrangements, offering hybrid or remote work options based on role requirements and location.
- Matching pension schemes and/or 401k.
- Comprehensive staff wellbeing initiatives, featuring regular activities and workplace programmes to support mental and physical health.
- This includes discounted Classpass memberships, and custom-fitted earplugs.
- Company-led social events, team lunches, and discounts on RA merch.
- Paid annual volunteering allowance, encouraging contributions to community projects and charities you care about.
- Regular company-wide Q&A with senior leadership, along with ongoing virtual educational training sessions for all staff.
As an independent company run by devoted dance music enthusiasts, our mission is to bring together the world's electronic music communities. Our Global Content Network (GCN) and international teams help us establish connections with hyper-niche local scenes. We became B-Corp certified in 2024, which counts us among businesses leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy and part of a community that meets high social and environmental impact standards. We especially welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, experiences, gender identities, and sexual orientations. We aim for our team to reflect the communities we engage with. We ensure everyone is valued and respected by actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace.
Our values:
- Electronic music is art. We celebrate the progressive values that underpin electronic music.
- We advocate for a more inclusive and equitable electronic music community.
- We honour the past, present and future of electronic music.
- We use innovation to empower the community.
- We choose honesty over gain and purpose over profit.
- We are always front left.
Chief Financial Officer employer: Resident Advisor
At Resident Advisor, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions work-life balance and employee wellbeing through generous leave policies and comprehensive health initiatives. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, allowing team members to thrive in a flexible environment while contributing to the dynamic world of electronic music. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth and community engagement, RA is not just a workplace but a community where your passion for music can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨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 Resident Advisor. 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 Chief Financial Officer
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 Resident Advisor.
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 Resident Advisor'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 Resident Advisor
✨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 Resident Advisor.
✨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 Resident Advisor 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 Resident Advisor 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.
