At a Glance
- Tasks: Crunch data, drive cost-saving initiatives, and support decision-making with clear financial reporting.
- Company: Join a dynamic finance team in a high-growth SaaS environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with leadership and various departments in a fast-paced, innovative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising finances and driving efficiency across the company.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in finance operations, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with SaaS metrics.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are hiring an Operational Finance Manager/Financial Data Analyst in the UK to strengthen the "engine room" of our finance function: data crunching, cost-cutting initiatives, and internal financial reporting that drives decision-making. This is a hands-on role for someone who can translate complex data into clear frameworks; the results of which will allow the Leadership Team to allocate resources to areas where they see the greatest ROI.
You’ll work closely with the CFO and CEO as well as partnering across other departments such as Finance, Sales, CS, RevOps and the rest of the leadership team. You should be comfortable working independently, proactively surfacing issues, and driving initiatives.
What we are looking for
Someone who is hands-on, detail-oriented, and pragmatic; a structured thinker who is able to resolve complex issues/problems and provide solutions that are easy for the business and the leadership team to understand. Someone who takes ownership of projects and can work independently and who will be a partner across a number of departments.
What you’ll do
- Data crunching & decision support
- Maintain financial and operational models within Odoo (P&L, unit economics, business metrics (Magic Number/Rule of 40, CAC Payback, etc.) and scenario planning).
- Pull and reconcile data across Odoo (financials), HubSpot (pipeline/customer activity), and other sources to create a reliable source of truth.
- Analyze trends and variances (actuals vs budget/forecast), identify root causes, and recommend actions.
- Ad hoc analysis as requested by CFO and/or CEO/Leadership team.
- Internal financial reporting
- Own reporting cadences (weekly KPI updates, monthly performance reporting, monthly board/leadership management pack and other ad hoc requests as needed).
- Create and enhance dashboards and reporting packs that tie financial outcomes to business drivers (not just accounting categories).
- Cost-cutting and efficiency initiatives
- Work with the current Finance team to identify cost-saving opportunities across vendors, tools, spend categories, and operating processes.
- Build business cases (ROI, payback, risk) and lead initiatives from analysis through implementation.
- Track results over time and institutionalize guardrails (policies, approval flows, recurring reviews).
- Process, documentation, and scaling
- Document historical context: key assumptions, pricing changes, major spend decisions, and how the cost structure evolved.
- Build repeatable templates/playbooks for forecasting, headcount planning, budget vs actual reviews, and investment decisions.
- Use ClickUp to manage finance projects, deadlines, dependencies, and stakeholder communication.
- Independent ownership & proactive problem solving
- Spot issues early (forecast variance, spend creep, margin changes, etc.) and propose solutions before they become urgent.
- Drive projects with minimal oversight, keeping stakeholders aligned with clear updates and next steps.
What success looks like (first 90-180 days)
- Reporting is consistent, trusted, and used weekly by the leadership team to make decisions.
- Clear visibility into spend and cost drivers, with measurable savings initiatives underway.
- Forecasting and planning processes are streamlined, automated, repeatable, and well-documented.
- HubSpot ↔ Odoo reporting is reconciled and reliable (definitions + workflows clearly documented).
- You’re seen as a proactive operator who increases clarity and helps the team scale.
Ideal candidate profile
- 4+ years in FP&A, finance operations or an analytics-heavy finance role, preferably recently employed in a high growth environment in the SaaS space.
- Strong financial modelling skills and comfort working with large datasets (advanced Excel/Google Sheets).
- SaaS metrics familiarity (ARR, churn, retention, CAC/LTV, Gross Margin).
- Demonstrated ability to lead cost optimization initiatives with measurable impact.
- Strong written communication/documentation skills and the discipline to create durable institutional knowledge.
- Working fluency in systems and workflows (ability to learn quickly and improve processes in tools like Odoo, HubSpot, and ClickUp).
- Some Python scripting knowledge would be highly desirable to work with Odoo.
- Experience building internal reporting and forecasting processes for leadership.
- Preferable although not essential to have SQL and/or BI tool experience (Looker, Tableau, Power BI, Mode, etc.).
Operational Finance Manager in London employer: Shufti
As an Operational Finance Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work culture that values proactive problem-solving and independent ownership. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work closely with senior leadership in a high-growth SaaS environment, ensuring your contributions directly impact the company's success. Join us in the UK, where your analytical skills will be celebrated, and your career can flourish in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Finance Manager 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 Shufti. 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 Operational Finance Manager 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 Shufti.
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 Shufti'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 Shufti
✨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 Shufti.
✨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 Shufti 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 Shufti 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.