At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the financial strategy and build finance processes from scratch for a growing events start-up.
- Company: Join a dynamic design-led start-up in the exciting events industry.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the financial future and work closely with founders.
- Other info: Thriving environment with potential for significant career development.
- Why this job: Be the first finance hire and make a real impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: Proven senior finance experience, ideally in hospitality or events.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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.
Head of Finance | Events | Series A 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 hire, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the financial landscape of a design-led start-up, working closely with founders and leadership to drive strategic growth. With a culture that values innovation and collaboration, Zanda offers a dynamic environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, alongside ample opportunities for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance | Events | Series A
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and events sectors. Attend industry meetups or webinars to get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past achievements in finance, especially in growth-stage businesses. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨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 go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings tailored for finance roles in exciting start-ups. Make sure to check it out regularly and apply through us for the best chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance | Events | Series A
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Finance. Highlight your experience in building finance functions from scratch and any relevant work 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 your vision for shaping the financial backbone of a growing start-up and how your skills align with our mission. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive financial efficiency and strategic planning. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from showcasing your successes in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zanda
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the events industry and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role involves shaping the financial future of a growing start-up. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built finance functions from scratch or improved existing processes. Highlight your experience in strategic planning and scenario modelling.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be working closely with founders and the leadership team, so it's crucial to convey complex financial concepts in an understandable way. Practice explaining your past experiences in a straightforward manner that builds trust and shows your commercial acumen.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
Start-ups often operate in uncertain environments. Be prepared to discuss how you've thrived in ambiguous situations and turned challenges into opportunities. Share specific instances where your adaptability made a significant impact.
