At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial reporting, profitability analysis, and cash flow for a fast-growing startup.
- Company: Join YASO, an innovative AI operating system transforming social commerce in China.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for international travel and career growth in a vibrant Soho office.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of ecommerce with global brands.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Mandarin and English, with 5-7 years of finance experience in startups.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
YASO is the AI operating system that lets global brands sell directly into China, the largest and fastest-growing consumer market in the world, worth $1.7tn, with a sharp focus on social commerce. Our solution is end-to-end: payments, logistics, storefront integrations on key platforms such as Douyin and Tmall, and analytics. We add new SaaS tools every year, most recently our Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) tool, which helps brands understand and improve how they are represented across AI search.
We work with globally recognised brands across beauty, supplements, and consumer goods. We're looking for a UK-based, Mandarin-speaking Finance Manager with 5-7 years of experience, ideally having run all or part of a finance function at a VC or PE-backed startup or scale-up, to own financial reporting, profitability analysis, and cash flow management across the business.
You will work closely with the leadership team, external accountants and colleagues across the UK and China business, travelling to China on occasions, turning financial and operational data, including brand-level performance and logistics costs, into clear insight that shapes decisions across our UK and China-facing operations.
You will work directly with our China finance and ecommerce team to ensure cash flow management and reporting are accurate and consistent across markets, brands and platforms. This is a key role for YASO as we scale, with a clear path to grow into leading a global finance team spanning our UK and China operations.
- Management Accounts & Bookkeeping
- Prepare UK management accounts monthly with our external accountant, and collaborate on joint accounts with partner finance contacts.
- Process payments and create corresponding Xero bills for Kuai Commerce Limited payments; maintain financial controls for cross-border (UK/China) transactions.
- Revenue Share & Brand Reporting
- Prepare the client-facing revenue share report and maintain internal monthly reporting, including the brand revenue share master sheet.
- Prepare the brand-facing monthly marketing cost report.
- Prepare investor reporting packs and KPI tracking, and support fundraising with financial modelling and data rooms.
- Profitability & ROI Analysis
- Run monthly profitability analysis and maintain per-brand profitability tracking (revenue, cost-to-serve, margin).
- Conduct ROI analysis across brands, campaigns, and initiatives.
- Own per-brand cash flow management and build cash flow models for the overall business, developing a working knowledge of general trade dynamics.
- Provide runway analysis, scenario planning, and flag risks proactively.
- Data Management & Cost Analysis
- Create processes to track spending across the business, such as performance marketing spend and influencer commissions.
- Analyse costs, for example logistics costs across brands, to surface insights that improve margin.
- Track actuals against budget across individual brand spend, flagging variances and their drivers promptly.
- Track actuals against budget for the company as a whole, supporting broader financial planning and decision-making.
Fluent in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese and English; 5-7 years of finance experience, having run all or part of a finance function at a VC or PE-backed startup or scale-up. Strong track record in profitability/margin analysis, investor reporting, and cash flow modelling. Experience working alongside a freelance CFO/external accountants on management accounts and month-end close. Able to work independently with strong project management skills, managing multiple workstreams to deadline. Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills and excellent attention to detail with reporting data. Excellent communication skills, able to translate financial detail for non-finance stakeholders.
Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with group accounting experience. Familiarity with cross-border ecommerce and Chinese ecommerce platforms and their reporting processes. Familiarity with database products (e.g. Experience with Xero, QuickBooks, or similar accounting tools). Passion for ecommerce, digital technology, and consumer goods.
The opportunity to build the finance function of a fast-growing startup from an early stage, with direct exposure to the founding team, investors, and strategic decision-making. Competitive salary, attractive equity, and pension contribution. Flexible working, plus opportunities for international travel. Team lunches, and a premium office in Soho.
Mandarin Chinese speaking Finance Manager in London employer: Yaso Yaso
YASO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets opportunity. As a Finance Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of a fast-growing startup, with direct access to leadership and the chance to influence strategic decisions. Enjoy competitive compensation, equity options, and a flexible working culture, all while being part of a passionate team in the vibrant Soho area, with opportunities for international travel to China.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mandarin Chinese speaking Finance Manager in London
✨Show Off Your Expertise Online
In the banking and financial services world, sharing your insights on platforms like LinkedIn can really set you apart. Write articles about market trends or finance tips, and engage in discussions in relevant groups. This not only boosts your visibility but also highlights your knowledge to potential clients.
✨Join Freelance Platforms and Networking Events
Freelancing in finance can be competitive, so make sure you're on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, specifically targeting finance gigs. Also, look for finance networking events or webinars to connect with small businesses that might need your services. Meeting people face-to-face (or online) can score you those elusive freelance contracts.
✨Build a Stunning Portfolio
Since you're going freelance, having a solid portfolio is a must. Showcase your previous work, such as reports or analyses, and consider using case studies to highlight your approach. The more you can demonstrate your skills, the easier it is for clients to trust you with their finances.
✨Direct Outreach is Key
For freelance gigs, don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify companies or startups that align with your skills and reach out directly. A personalised message introducing yourself and proposing how you could add value can go a long way. Plus, keep an eye on Yaso Yaso for freelance opportunities—they might have just what you’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Mandarin Chinese speaking Finance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Financial Savvy:When applying for a freelance role in banking and financial services, we need to see your expertise front and centre! Mention specific financial regulations or tools you've mastered, and feel free to include your relevant qualifications, like CFA or ACCA, to bolster your credibility.
Build a Stellar Portfolio:Since this is a freelance gig, your portfolio is your ticket to impressing us at Yaso Yaso. Include examples of past projects you've completed—think financial analyses, investment reports, or forecasting models. Be sure to highlight the results you achieved!
Tailor Your Rates and Availability:We want to see that you're flexible and can align with our needs. Clearly outline your freelance rates, availability for projects, and whether you're open to long-term collaborations or just ad-hoc gigs. This makes it easier for us to understand how we can work together!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your skills, but also why you're excited about joining Yaso Yaso. Share your passion for financial services and how you plan to tackle challenges in this sector. This is your chance to connect on a personal level—make it count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yaso Yaso
✨Show Off Your Financial Savvy
When you're talking with Yaso Yaso, make sure to highlight your experience with financial modelling, risk assessment, or portfolio management. Freelance work often requires a good level of financial literacy, so prepare to discuss any relevant tools you've used, whether it's Excel or specific financial software.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
A freelance role means you’ll want to showcase your previous work effectively. Put together a portfolio that not only highlights your projects but also demonstrates the outcomes - think case studies or success stories that showcase how your financial skills made a difference for past clients.
✨Know Your Regulations and Compliance
In the banking and financial services world, understanding compliance and regulations is crucial. Make sure you’re up to date with the latest standards as they relate to your expertise. Be prepared for specific questions about how you've navigated these in past roles or how you'd approach potential compliance challenges.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates and Availability
As a freelancer, the topic of rates and availability can come up early on. Be clear about what you offer and how you charge. It might also help to have a few examples in mind where your expertise saved someone money or improved efficiency to justify your rates to Yaso Yaso.