At a Glance
- Tasks: Launch and manage partnerships to revolutionise money movement in emerging markets.
- Company: Join a dynamic fintech startup backed by unicorn founders and top investors.
- Benefits: Central London office, global exposure, and a front-row seat to innovation.
- Other info: Fast hiring process with a paid work trial to ensure a great fit.
- Why this job: Be part of a small team making real impact with live partners and corridors.
- Qualifications: 1-4 years in fintech or a strong graduate with ownership and drive.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re building the global payment network for money moving into, across, and out of the world’s emerging markets: instant, transparent, and affordable, with stablecoin rails under the hood. We’re backed by multiple unicorn fintech founders and some incredible investors like EWOR, Triple A, Digital Currency Group, Entourage, and Raba. We’re early enough that the people joining today define how this company works, and proven enough that the work is real from day one: live partners, live corridors, real money. The problems are hard, the surface area is global, and the prize is a rebuild of how money moves between the fastest-growing markets on earth.
About the role
We are looking for a Partnerships Associate to sit at the centre of Zuba's partner network: the banks, payout partners, and liquidity providers that move our money across emerging markets, from Africa to the Gulf to Asia. You will help scope, onboard, and manage those partners, working directly with the CEO and the Head of Network. This is an early-career role with an unusually steep curve. Within your first months you will be inside live partner negotiations, running onboarding processes that gate real money movement, and building the analysis that decides which corridors we open next. In a small team there is nowhere to hide and no ceiling on what you can take on. People who do this role well end up owning corridors.
What you’ll do
- Launch corridors. Scope the market, research counterparties, model deal economics, and negotiate commercials.
- Run partner onboarding end to end. Due diligence packs, KYB coordination, documentation, and integration tracking, from first call to first live transaction.
- Track partner performance. Rates, SLAs, capacity, and settlement timeliness across the live stack.
- Own the source of truth. Know what good pricing looks like in every corridor, and keep the comparison current on status, terms, and contracts.
- Do what the corridor needs. Small team, real money, moving fast.
Who you are
- You’re early in an impressive career. 1-4 years in fintech, consulting, IB, PE, or a high-growth startup, or an exceptional graduate who can show us evidence of ownership and drive.
- You’re operationally relentless. You run multiple threads without dropping any, spot what’s broken, and fix it without being asked.
- You’re numerate and analytical. You’re comfortable in spreadsheets, you sanity-check figures instinctively, and you can turn messy data into a clear comparison.
- You're an exceptional communicator. Much of this role is crisp communication with the team and partners.
- You thrive in ambiguity. You’re comfortable structuring problems, building the playbook from scratch, and balancing multiple priorities in real time, with real stakes.
Bonus: Exposure to African markets. Familiarity with stablecoins or crypto infrastructure. A second language relevant to our corridors.
What we offer
- Central London office
- Global exposure from week one: real partners, real money, real stakes
- A front-row seat to building payment infrastructure, working directly with the founders
Our hiring process
- Intro chat (30 mins) with Josiah (CEO & Co-Founder).
- Case deep dive (45 mins). A practical working session on a realistic partner or corridor problem.
- Work trial (2 days, paid).
- Offer. If all goes well, we will extend an offer and cannot wait to welcome you aboard!
Partnerships Associate employer: Zuba
At Zuba, we are redefining the global payment landscape, and as a Partnerships Associate, you will be at the forefront of this transformation. Our vibrant Central London office fosters a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives, and every team member has a direct impact on our mission. With unparalleled opportunities for growth and exposure to real-world challenges from day one, you will not only develop your skills but also play a crucial role in shaping the future of money movement across emerging markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnerships Associate
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Zuba. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Zuba.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Zuba. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Partnerships Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Zuba and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Zuba how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zuba
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Zuba.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Zuba's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
