At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the financial backbone and build finance functions 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: Senior finance experience, ideally in hospitality or events, with strong communication skills.
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 in London 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 actively supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Finance Leader for Growth & Ops in Events in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the events and finance sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s culture and values. Since this role is about shaping the financial backbone, think about how your experience aligns with their vision. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built processes from scratch in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! In a start-up environment, things can change rapidly. Be prepared to discuss how you've thrived in ambiguous situations and how you can bring clarity to financial decision-making in a fast-paced setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about connecting talent with opportunities, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company!
We think you need these skills to ace First Finance Leader for Growth & Ops in Events in London
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 shaped financial strategies in previous roles and how you can do the same for us at Zanda.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As the first finance hire, you'll be leading the charge! Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully collaborated with founders and teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive change.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zanda
✨Know Your Numbers
As the first finance hire, 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 can leverage them to drive growth.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role involves shaping the financial backbone of the business. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built finance functions from scratch in previous roles, focusing on your strategic planning and scenario modelling skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be working closely with founders and the leadership team, so practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think about how you can build trust and rapport with non-financial stakeholders during the interview.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
The start-up environment can be unpredictable. Be ready to share experiences where you've thrived in uncertain situations, showcasing your adaptability and problem-solving skills. This will highlight your fit for a role that requires building from the ground up.
