At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support FCA authorisation for a fintech payments provider.
- Company: Established European payments service provider with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Flexible fractional role, competitive pay, and the chance to shape a growing company.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the fintech sector.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance or Accounting with 8-15 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
We are working with an established European based payments service provider who wants to obtain an FCA licence and authorisation in the UK. We have a good team helping with the FCA project but need to begin weaving in SLT members in key areas such as finance, general management, operations, tech and governance. We need an urgent start on this one - before the end of August - and well in advance of the PASS meeting with the regulator. Likely 1-2 days per week immediately and then a long-term fractional role if the license application is granted.
To help the organisation through the FCA authorisation process; providing strategic financial leadership to support business growth and expansion:
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
- Oversee treasury, liquidity, and multi-currency payment operations
- Develop financial reporting, KPIs, and board-level insights
- Support fundraising, investor relations, and commercial strategy
- Ensure robust financial controls, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance
- Advise leadership on pricing, profitability, and operational efficiency
- Help build scalable finance processes and systems within a fast-paced environment
The Desired Candidate Key Requirements for a Head of Finance – Merchant Acquiring (API Licensed)
- Professional Qualifications: Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business, with a professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
- Relevant Experience: 8–15 years in finance, including significant experience in payments, fintech, banking, or merchant acquiring, with proven leadership of finance teams.
- Payments Expertise: Strong understanding of merchant acquiring, card payment flows, settlements, interchange, scheme fees, chargebacks, reserves, and payment processing economics.
- Financial Leadership: Responsible for budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow, treasury, profitability analysis, and financial controls.
- Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with payment regulations, AML/KYC controls, PCI DSS, IFRS/GAAP, regulatory reporting, and audit requirements.
- Treasury & Liquidity Management: Experience managing settlement funding, merchant payments, liquidity, working capital, and banking relationships.
- Risk Management: Oversight of financial, operational, fraud, chargeback, credit, and liquidity risks.
- Technology & Data: Proficient with ERP systems, financial reporting tools, Excel, business intelligence platforms, and an understanding of API-driven payment platforms.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to lead finance functions, partner with Product, Engineering, Risk, Compliance, and Operations, and communicate effectively with the UK & German team, regulators, and banking partners.
- Commercial Focus: Strong analytical and strategic skills with a focus on improving profitability, operational efficiency, and supporting business growth in a regulated payments environment.
Fractional Head of Finance - Payments / Fintech Sector employer: Russam Gms
As a Chief Financial Officer at this innovative private equity-backed technology business in the City of London, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing grid resilience and integrating renewable energy. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering opportunities for professional development and leadership within a rapidly expanding sector. With a strong focus on financial governance and strategic decision-making, this role not only promises meaningful contributions to the energy landscape but also provides a unique chance to shape the future of the finance function in a forward-thinking environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Head of Finance - Payments / Fintech Sector
✨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 Russam Gms. 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 Fractional Head of Finance - Payments / Fintech Sector
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 Russam Gms.
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 Russam Gms'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 Russam Gms
✨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 Russam Gms.
✨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 Russam Gms 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 Russam Gms 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.
