At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and design AI-driven automation for a fast-growing start-up.
- Company: Join Zanda, a dynamic executive search partner for high-growth start-ups.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, mentorship from an experienced CFO, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting chance to build a modern finance function from scratch.
- Why this job: Be the first finance hire and shape the future of a scaling business.
- Qualifications: Big 4 qualified accountant with experience in automated finance processes.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Reporting to: CEO, with mentorship from an experienced CFO. Sole finance hire and No 1 in finance.
Location: London, hybrid with three days a week in the office.
Job type: Full-Time
ABOUT ZANDA
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 VCs, founders, CEOs, and CFOs to deliver key senior appointments.
WHY THIS COMPANY AND ROLE
Zanda is partnering with a Series A business that is moving from start-up to scale-up. It has reached £20m in revenue, already trades across several countries and has more international expansion planned. The leadership team runs the business on automation and wants finance built the same way from day one.
This is the first finance hire. You’ll report to the CEO and own the whole function, with mentorship from an experienced CFO and a clear route to grow with the role as the business scales. The job mixes hands-on delivery with building something new: closing the month, reporting to investors and handling compliance across several entities, while designing the automated processes, systems and dashboards that let a lean team cope with more currencies, entities and time zones.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
- Designing and deploying AI-driven automation across billing, payment runs, payroll and indirect tax, acting as the human-in-the-loop where judgement matters.
- Owning month-end close and balance sheet reconciliations across multiple international entities.
- Producing management accounts, board packs, investor reporting and cash flow forecasts for the board and investors.
- Running multi-currency consolidated reporting, then adding new geographies as the business expands.
- Taking full ownership of statutory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including indirect tax, annual accounts, R&D claims and filings.
- Leading system selection, process design and the build-out of finance dashboards and reporting infrastructure.
- Building a modern finance function from scratch at a £20m business with real momentum.
ABOUT YOU
- Big 4 qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent).
- A track record of designing and deploying AI-driven or automated finance processes, not just using tools someone else set up.
- Strong data and modelling skills, able to architect finance solutions with light technical support.
- Multi-currency accounting and group consolidation experience.
- Experience managing statutory compliance across more than one jurisdiction.
- Experience preparing management accounts, board packs, investor reporting and cash flow forecasts.
- Comfortable as the sole finance hire in a fast-moving, multi-geography business, and happy working across international time zones.
Advantageous
- Consolidation experience across UK and international entities.
- Prior exposure to a group or PE/VC-backed structure.
Due to the volume of applications we typically receive, we are only able to respond directly to candidates shortlisted for interview.
Head of Finance | Ai | Series A in London employer: Zanda
Zanda is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a high-growth global FinTech group that values innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a culture that encourages professional development and hands-on involvement in shaping the treasury function, while also enjoying the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of finance and technology in a rapidly evolving industry. With a commitment to employee growth and a robust support system, Zanda provides a rewarding platform for those looking to make a significant impact in their careers.
