Head of Finance / Finance Lead – High‑Growth SME Lender
London – 2 days per week in the office
I am recruiting for a fast‑growing Series A SME lender.
They are looking for a commercially minded Head of Finance / Finance Lead to help scale quickly and responsibly – and to be a key partner to the founders on the journey to CFO.
This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role for someone who loves building, improving and solving problems – not just saying “no”.
The role
You will:
- Own the end‑to‑end finance function, from monthly reporting and controls through to partnering the founders on growth and funding decisions.
- Lead the annual audit process, manage external auditors, and ensure we continue to pass with flying colours.
- Build and refine financial models to support lending decisions, portfolio performance, fundraising and strategic planning (drawing on your investment banking / corporate finance toolkit).
- Standardise and improve processes across finance, lending and operations so the business can scale at speed.
- Work closely with risk, product and operations to make sure finance is a solution‑oriented partner: within the rules, what can we optimise and where can we win?
- Lay the foundations for a future CFO‑level role as the company continues to grow.
About you
You are:
- Professionally qualified (ACA / ACCA / equivalent), with a training background in a top‑tier accounting firm (e.g. Big 4).
- Have moved into investment banking, corporate finance or private equity, building strong financial modelling skills and a commercial mindset.
- Now working (or have worked) in a high‑growth SME / alternative lender in SME or consumer lending.
- Experienced in running or leading an audit process and engaging confidently with auditors and external stakeholders.
- Commercial and solution‑focused: you see constraints, but you also see how to work within them to unlock growth.
What’s on offer
- Up to 10% employer pension contribution.
- Hybrid working: typically 2 days per week in London.
- Clear progression path to CFO as they continue to grow.
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