Senior Finance Manager - Financial Accounts in London

Senior Finance Manager - Financial Accounts in London

London Full-Time 66150 - 80850 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Smarkets

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure compliance with accounting standards in a dynamic tech environment.
  • Company: Join a revolutionary tech company transforming the betting industry.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, hybrid work model, and generous holiday leave.
  • Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with regular socials and a focus on personal development.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of prediction markets while making a real impact in finance.
  • Qualifications: ACCA/ACA qualified with experience in regulated industries, strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 66150 - 80850 £ per year.

We're a technology company that revolutionises betting - from sports to political markets, delivering the sharpest prices and the fairest odds. We create a high-performance environment where exceptional talent can thrive, blending deep business experience with a commercial mindset to drive strategic growth. If you're ready to help shape the future of prediction markets with cutting-edge technology and a customer-first philosophy, Smarkets is where you belong.

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 delivery, and the controls framework needed to support a dual UKGC / CFTC regulated business.

Finance Systems & Transformation: building out the reporting architecture on top of our ERP, automating data flows, and replacing manual processes with scalable ones as the function evolves by implementing new systems and embedding AI.

In a typical week, a Finance Manager in the Finance team would:

  • Prepare a technical paper for internal stakeholders that explains an area of complex accounting.
  • Build a new automated process with AI and then document the controls so it's audit-ready.

About the Role: 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. 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.
  • 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.
  • Good understanding of financial regulations is preferred.

They reflect what we expect of ourselves and each other to deliver the best results while fostering a positive, high-performing environment:

  • Bring the Energy: We bring positivity, curiosity, and enthusiasm to everything we do, inspiring those around us.

Perks & Benefits:

  • Pension Scheme: Competitive plan via Aviva, with up to 6% matched contributions if you opt in.
  • Health Insurance: Enhanced Parental Leave: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave to support you through life's most important moments.
  • Enjoy fresh, chef-made breakfast and lunch every day, plus a constant supply of fruit, snacks, tea, coffee, and soft drinks — because great work starts with great food.
  • 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.
  • Hybrid model: with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home to fit your lifestyle.
  • Team Energy: Regular socials, hackathons, and events — because collaboration and fun go hand-in-hand.

Diversity & Inclusion: We're an equal opportunities employer and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

Senior Finance Manager - Financial Accounts in London employer: Smarkets

At Smarkets, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a high-performance culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our generous benefits package, including stock options, a robust pension scheme, and a £1,000 annual education budget, all designed to support your professional and personal development. Located in a dynamic environment, we offer flexible working arrangements and a vibrant team atmosphere, ensuring that your contributions are valued and celebrated as we shape the future of prediction markets together.

Smarkets

Contact Details:

Smarkets Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager - Financial Accounts 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 Smarkets. 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 Senior Finance Manager - Financial Accounts in London

Financial Reporting
IFRS Compliance
Financial Control
Audit Management
ERP Implementation
Process Automation
Technical Accounting

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 Smarkets.

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 Smarkets'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 Smarkets

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 Smarkets.

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 Smarkets 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 Smarkets 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.