At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, prepare reports, and support strategic goals in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a diverse and innovative finance team at Smarkets, a leading betting exchange.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, stock options, and a £1,000 education budget.
- Other info: Flexible working options and regular team events to foster collaboration and fun.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: ACCA/ACA qualified with experience in regulated industries and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
The Finance Team is responsible for making sure Smarkets has timely and accurate financial information to run the business day-to-day, to satisfy regulators, and to stand up to investor scrutiny. Smarkets operates a high-volume betting exchange across multiple jurisdictions and licences, which puts finance at the intersection of accounting, regulation and commercial decision-making.
Financial Reporting & Control: Month-end close, statutory accounts, external audit, and controls framework for a regulated business.
FP&A & Business Partnering: Budgeting, forecasting, and commercial decision support across all cost centres.
Finance Systems & Transformation: Implementing our new ERP, automating data flows, and leveraging AI to build scalable, future-proof systems.
In a typical week, a Finance Manager at Smarkets will:
- Execute a fast, clean month-end close and deliver a board-ready management pack explaining key performance drivers.
- Author technical IFRS accounting papers for stakeholders and auditors.
- Architect new, audit-ready automated processes, integrating AI and documenting controls.
We are seeking a proactive and hands-on Finance Manager to anchor the day-to-day financial operations. This key role involves deeply engaging in financial controlling, overseeing the preparation of monthly management accounts, and serving as a critical business partner to the wider organisation. You will also manage one direct report. The ideal candidate is an experienced accountant, ready to hit the ground running, who will ensure the accuracy of financial reports, maintain robust controls, and effectively support the finance function's strategic goals.
What you will do:
- Lead the preparation, review, and audit of annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with IFRS and relevant standards.
- Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including monthly and annual financial close and group consolidated management accounts.
- Manage and develop the Accounts Assistant direct report.
- Monitor financial performance against budget, providing variance analysis and strategic insights to leadership.
- Manage payroll and ensure timely submission of UK/Maltese VAT returns.
- Drive balance sheet integrity, maintain internal controls, and act as the go-to expert for technical financial queries.
- Assist with new ERP implementation and initiate continuous process streamlining.
- Maintain relationships with auditors, tax authorities, and external stakeholders.
Role Requirements:
- ACCA/ACA qualified with a degree in Accounting or related field, possessing strong experience in a regulated industry (betting/gaming preferred).
- Proven hands-on experience in a small finance team, including preparing financial accounts compliant with IFRS and UK GAAP.
- Effective communicator capable of conveying complex financial data to both finance and non-finance teams.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and work closely with multidisciplinary teams.
- Good understanding of financial regulations is preferred.
Benefits:
- We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, alongside a dynamic, collaborative environment where your work truly makes an impact and your voice is heard.
- Stock Options: Vest over 4 years - your success is our success.
- Pension Scheme: Competitive plan via Aviva, with up to 6% matched contributions if you opt in.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
- Enhanced Parental Leave: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave to support you through life’s most important moments.
- Stay Fuelled: Enjoy fresh, chef-made breakfast and lunch every day, plus a constant supply of fruit, snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme: Support for sustainable commuting and staying active.
- Learning & Development: £1,000 annual education budget for courses, conferences, books, or training.
- Holiday: 25 days paid leave + bank holidays, with the option to carry over 5 days.
- Flexible Working: Choose to work 1 day from home (20 WFA days/year) or 2 days from home (5 WFA days/year) based on your needs and preferences.
- Team Energy: Regular socials, hackathons, and events.
We’re an equal opportunities employer and celebrate diversity in all its forms. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know — we’re happy to accommodate your needs.
Finance Manager employer: Smarkets
Smarkets is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment, where your contributions directly impact the business's success. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a generous learning budget, and a culture that values diversity and innovation. Located in a vibrant setting, our team enjoys flexible working arrangements, regular social events, and a commitment to supporting both professional and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance industry, especially those who work in regulated environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Smarkets' financial operations. Understand their month-end close process and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Smarkets team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with IFRS, financial reporting, and any hands-on work in a regulated industry. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your past achievements in financial controlling and how you’ve added value in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Finance Manager, you’ll need to communicate complex financial data clearly. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively, whether through your writing style or by including examples of past presentations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smarkets
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your grasp of financial metrics and reporting. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to Smarkets, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Master IFRS and UK GAAP
Since compliance with IFRS and UK GAAP is crucial, make sure you can articulate your experience with these standards. Prepare examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous positions, especially in a regulated environment like betting or gaming.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing an Accounts Assistant, so highlight your leadership experience. Think of specific instances where you've mentored or developed team members, and be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative work environment.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge, especially around financial controls and audit processes. Prepare to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both finance and non-finance teams.
