Finance Manager in London

Smarkets runs one of the world’s most sophisticated prediction markets, handling over £29 billion in volume since 2010 and engaging 200,000+ traders globally. We’re a technology company that revolutionises betting - from sports to political markets, delivering the sharpest prices and the fairest odds.

The Finance Team is responsible for ensuring Smarkets has timely and accurate financial information to run the business day-to-day, satisfy regulators, and 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.

Our Values:

• Push to Win: We set ambitious goals and pursue them relentlessly, always striving for excellence.
• Make Others Better: We lift each other up, share knowledge, and celebrate team success over individual achievement.
• Give a Shit: We care deeply about our work, our users, and the impact we make.
• Be a Pro: We take ownership, act with integrity, and consistently deliver to a high standard.
• Bring the Energy: We bring positivity, curiosity, and enthusiasm to everything we do, inspiring those around us.

Perks & Benefits:

• 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 aim to have a simple and speedy hiring process and we want to make sure that we are right for you as much as the other way around.

Diversity & Inclusion: 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.