The Role
Head of Finance – London office start-up for a Fintech multi-asset class global Brokerage (stand-alone role/ hybrid)
This is a really interesting and amazing stand-alone role “Head of Finance & Administration” opportunity for a boutique City of London based multi-asset class global Brokerage.
The company has global offices, but a small and boutique London office, which is relatively new. Their client base are global Retail and Institutional clients i.e. Asset Managers, Hedge Funds, Investment Banks etc trading multi-asset classes.
The position will initially a stand-alone both “hands-on” and “strategic” Head of Finance & Administration position. There is a possibility to hire underneath you as the company grows and expands, but most of the “back-office”, or “Operational” Finance & Accounting is outsourced to external companies, or to one of their global offices (a more cost-efficient cost centre). This means there is a lot of oversight work.
Our client is happy to look at someone who is either an ACA, ACCA, or CIMA “Fully-Qualified” Accountant with 7-10-years’ experience as either a “Head of Finance” or “Senior Finance Manager” looking to step-up into a “Head of Finance” position for a reputable FCA registered “Sellside” Brokerage.
The “Administration” side of the business refers oversight of their HR Function, Systems and 3rd party Technology providers, Operational Suppliers, Banking relationships. You will be the main-point-of-contact with all 3rd party providers, in charge of negotiating charge-rates (with the view of always looking at cost savings), as well setting and monitoring SLA’s etc.
The company offer a hybrid mix of “working-from-home” and also in-the-office, so you get the best of both worlds.
The Head of Finance and Administration will be responsible for management and oversight of all financial and administrative functions within the company. This role is critical in ensuring that the firm meets its financial targets, operates efficiently, and complies with all relevant regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will bring brokerage experience, a proven track record in providing sound client profitability analysis, and audit experience.
Responsibilities:
Financial Reporting and Management Accounts:
Oversee the preparation and maintenance of monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting, including financial presentation for Board meetings.
Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the firm’s parent company, providing insights and analysis to support strategic decisions.
Ensure compliance with all regulatory and corporate financial reporting requirements.
Banking and Financial Relationships:
* Manage and oversee relationships with banking partners, ensuring optimal banking arrangements for the firm.
* Oversee the management of the company’s invoicing process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in billing and collections.
* Manage contractual relationships with key providers, suppliers, and employee benefits providers, including workplace pension schemes.
Outsourced Services and Coordination:
* Oversee outsourced HR functions, ensuring they align with the company’s strategic goals and legal requirements.
* Coordinate with the outsourced company secretary to ensure timely and accurate corporate governance.
* Manage relationships with the outsourced payroll provider, coordinating with HR and Finance teams to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
* Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory requirements, including corporate taxes, VAT, payroll taxes, National Insurance contributions, and other statutory deductions.
* Oversee the outsourced finance, administrative, and HR teams at the company, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
Management of Third-party Technology and Operational Supplier Contracts:
Third-party Supplier Relationships: Oversee relationships with third-party suppliers providing IT services, software, telecommunications, and office equipment. Ensure contracts are cost-effective and meet strategic goals, service level agreements (SLA’s) are met and that the firm’s technology and operational infrastructure supports business operations effectively.
Contract Negotiation: Work with the Executive Management team and legal counsel to coordinate negotiations for new and existing contracts with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms and conditions that meet the company’s operational needs and compliance requirements.
Performance Monitoring: Regularly review the performance of suppliers against contractual obligations and SLAs, addressing any issues promptly to ensure continuous operational efficiency.
Audit and Compliance:
* Manage the external financial year-end audit, ensuring all audit requirements are met, the audit process runs smoothly and that it is completed within the set deadlines.
* Liaise with the Head of Compliance to compile and submit FCA regulatory returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all applicable regulations.
* Regularly review and streamline financial and administrative processes to improve efficiency, reduce cost and enhance service delivery.
* Work closely with the compliance team to monitor and manage regulatory risks.
Subscriptions and Corporate Identifiers
Manage the subscriptions to, registrations, renewals and payments for regulatory identifiers and registrations, such as SWIFT BIC Codes, Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) Codes, Data Protection Commissioner’s Office Fees, IRS QI registration, EIS and GIIN numbers.
Strategic and Operational Planning:
* Contribute to the development and execution of the company’s strategic plans, providing financial analysis and insights to support decision-making.
* Manage the company’s budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
Qualifications:
* A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
* Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience:
* At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior finance role, including experience within an FCA-regulated brokerage firm
* Proven experience in financial reporting, management accounting, and the oversight of banking and contractual relationships.
* Strong understanding of FCA regulations, particularly in relation to financial reporting, regulatory returns, and compliance.
Skills:
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
* Proficiency in financial software and MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to senior management and the board.
Salary
Between £90 k pa - £140 k pa plus bonus, pension, healthcare, etc.