At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategy and governance in a fast-growing fintech environment.
- Company: StrideUp, a values-driven fintech revolutionising property finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, health insurance, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Dynamic startup culture focused on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team making a real impact in finance.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in finance with strong audit and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Description
Stride Up is leading a new era of values-driven finance.
Ranked the 5th fastest growing fintech in the UK and Ireland in 2025, we have already deployed hundreds of millions in property finance, supporting people in achieving their financial goals.
What makes us different is how we combine purpose with performance.
We began with home finance, creating an alternative trusted by the Muslim community and welcomed by anyone seeking fairer, more transparent products.
This product-market fit has powered our growth, and is only the beginning.
Our vision is bigger; to expand our offering and build a financial institution that opens doors for communities often left behind.
Joining Stride Up means being part of a high-performing, values-driven team at the most exciting point in our journey.
We have proven success behind us and huge opportunity ahead, and now we are ready to build beyond.
Are you?
Stride Up is backed by leading VC and private equity investors, having raised over £40m in corporate funding, and over £600m in institutional funding lines.
The Role
We are looking for a Finance Director to lead Stride Up's Finance function as we enter our next phase of growth.
This is a senior leadership role at the centre of a fast-growing, FCA-regulated fintech with accountability for financial control, audit, an expanding set of funding lines and structured finance arrangements, and a growing investor base.
Reporting to the CEO, you'll take ultimate ownership of the Group's financial control environment, lead the business through its annual audits, and be the credible face of Stride Up's finances with auditors and regulators while playing a key supporting role alongside the CEO on fundraising and investor relations.
- You Are
- Technically credible, with an audit background and significant in-industry experience within banking or specialist lending
- Deeply knowledgeable in structured finance and financing lines, comfortable with complex, multi-entity balance sheets
- A proven people leader, with a track record of leading and developing finance teams
- Confident operating at a strategic, Ex Co level, connecting finance to the wider business
- Credible in front of auditors and investors, able to represent Stride Up's numbers and judgement calls with authority
- A clear, structured and measured communicator, with good judgement under scrutiny
- Comfortable in a scale-up environment, building processes and governance as the business grows
What You'll Do
- Strategic Leadership
- Sit on Stride Up's Executive Committee (Ex Co), contributing to company-wide strategy and decision-making
- Advise the CEO and Ex Co on funding strategy and capital structure, keeping the business financially prepared for future strategic corporate activity
- Financial Control & Governance
- Own the integrity of the Group's financial statements and control environment
- Design and continuously strengthen internal controls, governance and risk management as the business scales
- Line manage the members of the Finance function
- Audit Leadership
- Lead the business through annual audits as the primary contact for external auditors
- Own the resolution of audit findings and use them to strengthen controls
- Funding Lines & Structured Finance
- Own the accounting treatment, financial reporting and audited financial statement impact of a growing number of funding lines and structured finance arrangements
- Maintain oversight of sources and uses of funds for financial reporting and control purposes, including SPV consolidation, partnering with Capital Markets, who own origination, negotiation and day-to-day operational management of these facilities
- Fund Raises & Investor Relations
- Provide the audited financials, technical accounting positions and financial credibility that underpin fundraising, alongside the CEO (who leads investor relationships) and Capital Markets (who lead data room and due diligence material for institutional funding)
- Contribute financial insight to investor updates, conversations, funding lines/equity raises etc.
- Team Leadership
- Lead and develop the Finance team - currently the Group Financial Controller and a Finance Apprentice
- Set clear standards and objectives for the function, and mentor the Group Financial Controller and apprentice
- Regulatory & Compliance
- Own the Group's relationship with the FCA on financial matters
- Strengthen capital adequacy, solvency and regulatory reporting processes as the business grows
- Management Reporting & Planning
- Own month-end close and Group management reporting to the CEO and Ex Co
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting and the Group's financial model
Requirements
- ACA qualified (or equivalent)
- 8+ years post qualified experience, including significant in-industry experience within banking or specialist lending, following an audit background
- Strong technical expertise in structured finance and financial instruments
- Proven track record owning financial control and audit relationships in a regulated environment
- Track record leading and developing finance teams
- Working knowledge of tax fundamentals, with experience working with specialist tax advisers
- Comfortable operating at Ex Co/strategic level and representing the business to external stakeholders
- Regulatory and compliance awareness (e. g. capital adequacy, solvency, regulatory returns) about the broader fintech and financial services landscape.
- Bonus
- Top 10 accounting firm background
- Audit within financial services
- Experience supporting equity fundraising rounds
Benefits
- Salary: Competitive, based on experience
- 25 days annual holiday
- Birthday Leave
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Hybrid working environment
- 3% pension contribution
- Enhanced Parental Leave & Pay
- Monthly socials
- Central London location
- Friendly and informal startup environment with a focus on performance and impact
- Equal Opportunity Employer
Stride Up is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
We celebrate the diversity of our team and encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and look forward to seeing how you can contribute to our mission.
Finance Director in London employer: StrideUp
StrideUp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and values-driven work environment in the heart of Central London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development within a high-performing team, alongside competitive benefits such as health insurance, enhanced parental leave, and a hybrid working model. Join us to be part of a mission that combines purpose with performance, making a meaningful impact in the fintech space while enjoying a friendly and informal startup culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director 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 StrideUp. 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 Finance Director 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 StrideUp.
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 StrideUp'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 StrideUp
✨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 StrideUp.
✨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 StrideUp 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 StrideUp 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.
