At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the financial backbone and build finance processes from scratch.
- Company: Join a design-led start-up in the exciting events space.
- Benefits: Shape the future of finance in a growing company with unique culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the opportunity to influence growth and strategy.
- Why this job: Be a key player in scaling a distinctive business while making impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Proven senior finance experience, ideally in hospitality or events.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Zanda is an Executive search partner that works exclusively with high growth start-ups as they look to scale their business with senior talent. Zanda partners with VC’s, Founder’s, CEO’s and CFO’s when it comes to successfully delivering on key senior appointments.
We are supporting a design-led start-up in the events space who are growing with momentum and now want to put the right financial foundation in place to scale without losing what makes them distinctive. This is a first finance hire, sitting close to the founders, with real scope to shape how the business grows.
What you'll do
- You will own the financial backbone of the business.
- As the first finance hire, you will build the function from the ground up, bring rigour and clarity to decision-making across the company, and operate equally comfortably in the detail and at board level.
- Lead financial controls, reporting and cash flow management.
- Build robust, scalable finance processes from scratch.
- Drive tech automation and finance operations efficiency.
- Support strategic planning, scenario modelling and KPI tracking.
- Act as a commercial partner to the leadership team, informing decisions across the business.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
- Manage relationships with auditors, banking partners and external advisors.
- Develop the financial infrastructure that underpins the next phase of growth.
Experience required
- Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally with exposure to hospitality, events within growth-stage businesses.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and energised by building from the ground up.
- Equally confident in the detail and at board level.
- Strong understanding of operational hospitality and what drives performance in the sector.
- Commercially astute, with sharp judgement on cost, cash and margin.
- A clear communicator who builds trust with founders, teams and external partners.
First Finance Leader for Growth & Ops in Events employer: Zanda
Zanda is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the fast-paced events industry. As the first finance leader, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the financial foundation of a design-led start-up, working closely with founders and driving strategic growth. With a culture that values innovation and collaboration, Zanda offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions are recognised, and professional development is encouraged.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Finance Leader for Growth & Ops in Events
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and events sectors. Attend industry meetups or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements in previous roles. When you land an interview, use this to demonstrate how you can build robust finance processes from scratch.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Zanda, and express your interest in contributing to their growth. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s financial landscape. Research their current operations and think about how you can bring clarity and rigour to their decision-making process. This will show you’re serious about being their first finance leader!
We think you need these skills to ace First Finance Leader for Growth & Ops in Events
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of First Finance Leader. Highlight your experience in building finance functions and working with start-ups, especially in the events or hospitality sectors. We want to see how you can bring that unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial success in previous roles and how you can help shape our financial backbone as we grow.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you’ve used them strategically. Talk about times when your financial insights influenced key decisions or improved processes. We love candidates who think big while keeping an eye on the details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our journey right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zanda
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re well-versed in the financial metrics relevant to the events industry. Brush up on key performance indicators, cash flow management, and budgeting techniques. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the financial backbone of a growing business.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've previously built finance functions from scratch or improved existing processes. Highlight your experience with scenario modelling and strategic planning. This will demonstrate your ability to shape the financial future of the company.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a finance leader, you’ll need to convey complex information simply. Practice explaining financial concepts in layman's terms. This will help you build trust with the founders and leadership team, showing that you can be a commercial partner they can rely on.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
Be ready to discuss how you thrive in uncertain environments. Share stories where you’ve successfully navigated ambiguity and built something from the ground up. This will resonate well with a start-up looking for someone who can adapt and lead through change.
