At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and redesign processes for a tech-enabled world.
- Company: Join Yoto, a fast-growing audio platform for kids, fostering creativity and learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and fun perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making childhood magical.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance with AI and innovative processes in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance process redesign and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 120000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Head of Finance Platform and Control to join our Finance team to lead financial control, audit, tax, and operations - and redesign how they're delivered for a tech-enabled world.
About Yoto
Yoto is a screen-free interactive audio platform for kids. We make carefully connected audio players that kids control, with no microphones, cameras or ads. We have a catalogue of audio that inspires creative play and learning with 1,000+ titles in our card store from top creators, publishers and labels - think Disney, Marvel, Roald Dahl and Universal Music. We also create Yoto Originals like BrainBots.
We’re over 200 employees spread across the world and growing! We're on a mission to be the soundtrack of childhood, and help families on their own unique adventures. By creating products that inspire independent play, we help families discover and grow with an inspiring world of audio - and we would like you to help us achieve it!
Yoto’s Finance Team
Our Finance team supports a fast-growing consumer business spanning hardware, content, subscriptions, royalties, and global operations. We move faster, build stronger relationships, and make better decisions when we're designed well. Right now, we're rebuilding finance for an AI-enabled world: not bolting AI onto existing processes, but redesigning those processes first, then automating them. Machines handle the processing. People handle the judgement. This role is what makes that shift happen properly.
Finance at Yoto is ambitious to take advantage of the technology transformation opportunity. We have a Finance Operating Manifesto, a transformation roadmap spanning 100+ initiatives, a dedicated Platform Integrations team to partner with, and AI tools actively in use across the team. The momentum is real. This role shapes the direction and pace of what comes next, and builds the team that carries it forward.
What you’ll be doing:
- This is a genuine leadership role. You'll lead a team spanning financial control, reporting and insights, finance operations, and royalties and revenue, plus close partnership with a platform engineer secondee driving the automation roadmap.
- Own the full finance platform: month-end close, statutory audit, compliance, balance sheet integrity, intercompany, and reconciliations - and drive these towards an increasingly autonomous operating model.
- Lead tax and treasury for the business, with no dedicated specialist beneath you - the judgement calls sit at this level.
- Oversee AP/AR operations, including Tipalti, virtual card coding, and bank reconciliation, alongside royalties.
- Design the controls framework as architecture embedded in workflows - ensuring audit-readiness is a consistent by-product of how the function operates, not a separate annual exercise.
- Partner with the Platform Integrations team to define future-state processes, with them building and deploying automation against your designs.
- Report directly into the CFO and carry board-level exposure on finance platform, audit, and transformation; partner closely with engineering and product teams to apply a product development approach to finance process design.
What you’ll bring:
- A qualified accountant with demonstrable experience owning the close, managing statutory audit, and navigating international compliance and tax complexity.
- A track record of redesigning finance processes, not just running them - with evidence of moving from manual to automated or system-embedded approaches.
- Demonstrated experience applying AI or automation tools within a finance function, with the ability to assess where they add value and where human judgement is required.
- Experience leading and developing finance teams, with evidence of building capability over time and raising the level of the function.
- Working knowledge of finance tech stacks and integrations (NetSuite, Tipalti, or equivalents).
Nice to have:
- Experience with ERP-connected automation.
- Experience in a scale-up or high-growth consumer business; exposure to royalties, multi-currency consolidation, or board-level finance reporting.
Salary: £110,000 - £120,000 based on experience.
How we use AI at Yoto
We think using AI to work smarter is part of the job. At Yoto, we use AI to help us move faster and reduce manual work so we can focus our time on creativity, problem-solving and impact. Our intention is to be thoughtful about how we use AI. We treat its outputs as a starting point, not the final answer, and we take care to use it responsibly - especially given the trust families place in Yoto.
What you can expect from Yoto:
- Flexibility: Hybrid working - At least 1 day a week on average in our central London office. You are welcome and encouraged to come in more than this.
- Financial: Receive Income Protection, covering long term sickness for up to 2 years and company sick pay that increases with length of service.
- Health & Wellness: Private Medical Insurance via Aviva, or a Wellbeing Allowance to be used for memberships, subscriptions, treatment or therapy.
- Time Off: 25 days of holiday per year, plus bank holidays. On top of this, you also receive your birthday off, plus 1 extra day of holiday for every year worked after you hit your 2 year anniversary, up to 5 extra days.
- Helping Families: Variety of family-friendly leave, including enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility, pregnancy loss and carers leave.
- People & Planet: Up to 2 volunteer days a year. A Book Allowance of up to £50 a year to contribute to your professional development.
- Fun Perks: You receive your very own Yoto player and starter pack of cards! Regular company socials and celebrations, including our annual YotoFest!
Equity and Diversity
At Yoto, we love creating a world where childhood is rich with discovery and joy. We’re also passionate about building a workplace where everyone can thrive - both professionally and personally. We're committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported.
Head of Finance Platform and Control employer: Yoto Inc.
Yoto is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being, offering a hybrid working model and generous benefits such as private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Yoto fosters a collaborative work culture where innovation thrives, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us in shaping the future of childhood audio experiences while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Platform and Control
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Yoto Inc.. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Yoto Inc..
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Yoto Inc.. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Platform and Control
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Yoto Inc. and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Yoto Inc. how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yoto Inc.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Yoto Inc..
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Yoto Inc.'s financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
