At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, build systems, and manage cash flow in a fast-growing SaaS company.
- Company: Join a dynamic, VC-backed SaaS start-up with ambitious founders.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in decision-making, and opportunity to shape finance processes.
- Other info: Hands-on role with strategic influence and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be a key player in scaling a successful business and drive financial strategy.
- Qualifications: ACA qualified with experience in high-growth tech environments.
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 fast-growing, VC-backed SaaS business at Series A, building software that's already winning serious traction with enterprise customers. They're at the stage where revenue is scaling quickly, the team is doubling, and finance needs to evolve from founder-led bookkeeping into a proper investor-class function. The founders are commercial, ambitious, and want a finance leader who treats this as a build, not a maintenance job.
What you'll do:
- You’ll be the most senior finance hire in the business, reporting directly to the founders, with full ownership of the finance function from day one.
- The remit covers building the systems, controls, and processes from scratch, with a modern, AI-native finance stack at the core.
- Day to day, you’ll own month-end close, statutory accounts, audit preparation, cash flow management, and working capital.
- You’ll set the investor and board reporting cadence, partner with the founders on commercial decisions, and lay the financial foundations for the next funding round.
- You’ll also be the person deciding which tools, automations, and AI workflows the function runs on, with genuine autonomy to do it your way.
- This is a hands-on role with strategic scope. You’ll be in the detail and in the boardroom, often in the same day.
What background should you have before you press apply:
- ACA qualified, ideally Big 4 trained
- Post-qualified experience in a high-growth SaaS or tech scale-up
- Track record of building or significantly improving a finance function
- Strong technical accounting and month-end ownership
- AI-native approach to finance, comfortable selecting and implementing modern tooling
- Commercially sharp, confident partnering with founders and operators
- Excellent communicator, equally credible with engineers, investors, and auditors
Financial Controller | SaaS | Series A in London employer: Zanda
Zanda is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. With a focus on building a robust finance function from the ground up, employees enjoy a culture of innovation and autonomy, alongside opportunities for professional growth as they collaborate directly with ambitious founders. Located in a vibrant start-up ecosystem, Zanda offers a unique chance to shape the financial landscape of a cutting-edge SaaS business while being part of a dynamic team that values creativity and strategic thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller | SaaS | Series A in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SaaS and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or people who can refer you. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your achievements in building finance functions. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can add value to a fast-growing company like Zanda's client.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s financial landscape. Research their current systems and think about how you could improve them. This will show you're not just a candidate, but a potential partner in their growth journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to connect with exciting opportunities. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a company that values innovation and growth, just like you do.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller | SaaS | Series A in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in high-growth SaaS environments and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to build finance functions from scratch.
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 hands-on role. Share specific examples of how you've partnered with founders and made strategic financial decisions in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we're looking for someone with strong technical accounting skills, don’t shy away from mentioning your ACA qualification and any Big 4 training. Let us know about your experience with modern finance tools and AI-native approaches.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zanda
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your grasp of financial metrics and SaaS-specific KPIs. Brush up on key figures like ARR, MRR, and CAC before the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the business landscape.
✨Showcase Your Build Mindset
This role is all about building systems from scratch, so be prepared to share examples of how you've previously improved or built finance functions. Highlight your experience with modern finance tools and AI workflows, as this will resonate with the founders' ambitions.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
You’ll be interacting with various stakeholders, from engineers to investors. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will not only showcase your communication skills but also your ability to partner effectively with non-financial colleagues.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about how you would approach strategic financial decisions. Think about scenarios where you’ve partnered with founders or executives to drive growth. Be ready to discuss your thought process and how you can contribute to the company’s scaling efforts.
