At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive growth in a dynamic fintech environment.
- Company: Rapidly scaling finance technology platform in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and long-term incentives for top performance.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team with opportunities for significant impact and career growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping a category-defining business and influence at the highest level.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in regulated payments and senior finance leadership.
01st September, 2026
CFO, Regulated Payments Fin-Tech, City of London £160,000 - £180,000 + bonus + LTIP
Our client is a rapidly scaling finance technology and payments platform that has recently gone through some restructuring and we are keen to find a new CFO to help them move forward through the next phases of growth.
This is a highly commercial and strategic CFO role, so we need candidates with experience in the regulated payments space, that have exposure to driving performance, strategy and growth.
Reporting to the Founder & CEO and working closely with the Board, this is a highly influential role with responsibility for financial planning, reporting, treasury, safeguarding oversight, regulatory compliance and commercial decision support. You will be a key driver of ‘direction-setting’ and you’ll have the experience and ability to influence at the highest level.
The successful candidate will play a key role in scaling an FCA-regulated business, supporting growth activities and strengthening the financial foundations of a business that has already established it’s place in the market.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and Board reporting.
- Build scalable governance, financial control and reporting frameworks.
- Oversee safeguarding arrangements and regulatory compliance within an FCA-regulated environment.
- Manage treasury, liquidity and cash flow across complex payment flows.
- Provide commercial analysis and insight to support growth and profitability.
- Support and influence all commercial decisions within the business
- Drive strategy and bring ideas to the table to execute on business growth plans
- Lead sales and pipeline initiatives and help drive new business forwards – ideas and execution are more than welcome
- Lead all external relationships with external providers and lead all capital raising activity
- Lead and develop the finance team and drive performance across the business
Candidate Profile
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Experience as a Group or Divisional CFO is essential
- Must have experience in regulated payments, fin-tech banking, neo-banking or e-money
- Proven senior finance leadership experience as a number-one
- Strong expertise in financial controls, treasury, forecasting and multi-entity structures.
- Experience with safeguarding, client money or FCA-regulated environments essential
- Commercially astute, hands-on and capable of operating as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board
- Must have energy and drive to make decisions and get things done
This is an opportunity to help shape a category-defining business in a rapidly evolving market.
CFO in London employer: Trace
Trace is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and diversity, creating a supportive environment where every team member feels valued. As a Cash Management Analyst, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and development, alongside competitive compensation and benefits. Located in a dynamic investment management firm, this role offers the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of investment strategies while contributing to meaningful financial operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO 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 Trace. 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 CFO 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 Trace.
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 Trace'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 Trace
✨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 Trace.
✨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 Trace 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 Trace 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.
