Head of Finance - FX Brokerage firm

Head of UK/EEA Finance

A global leader in the FX brokerage industry is currently seeking a Head of Finance to grow their Londong office.

Scope
Working closely with the Managing Director, the Head of UK Compliance and the broader team, the candidate will be to perform and manage the organisation's management and financial reporting requirements on a day-to-day basis. The role extends beyond finance and accounting and will require on-going monitoring of regulatory/compliance requirements and as well as its corresponding reporting. In addition, the candidate will also be responsible for the initial set-up of an offshore finance function.

The candidate will also operate in capacity of an FCA approved Controlled Function, being the CF10a (CASS Oversight Operation function). This responsibility requires the candidate to work closely with Compliance to ensure there are proper reconciliations, processes and controls in place to safeguard client money.

With a strong accounting and finance background the appointee is a commercially astute finance professional who possesses strategic insight and thrives in a fast and dynamic work environment. They will bring significant experience in technical abilities, people skills and positive energy and have the ability to get involved at the coal face and immerse themselves in the detail. The person will not be successful in this role if they are not prepared to be 'hands on' and become involved in rapid finance transformation, and 'BAU' deliverables.

Specific responsibilities will include but not limited to the following:

• Develop a high quality financial control environment
• Oversee and/or prepare daily reconciliations to external statements
• Oversee and/or process daily client deposits/withdrawals
• Identify and implement process and control improvements
• Provide insightful, detailed management information
• Preparation and presentation of monthly finance board packs
• Preparation of the annual budget and quarterly forecasts
• Responsible for weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting on company results and KPIs
• Preparation and/or oversight of year-end statutory financial accounts
• Maintaining the chart of accounts, cost centres and fixed asset register
• Oversee and monitor the accounts payable process
• Assist in the development and oversight of an offshore finance department
• Examine, new or modified accounting standards, amendments to regulatory rules and guidelines, accounting policy statements and implement changes where required
• Monitor capital requirements and ensure the company remains compliant
• Ensure full compliance with the FCA CASS rulebook and monitor capital requirements on an ongoing basis, which includes the ongoing monitoring and review of the firm's ICAAP
• Implementation of new systems, payment providers, and other third-party outsource providers as needed
• Managing payroll for the Company and ensure that salaries are paid accurately and on time
• Monitor employee leave balances on an ongoing basis
• Manage the procurement of office equipment and consumables
• Collaborate with Head Office to complete ad hoc tasks and projects
• Liaise with external auditors
• Managing and training all direct reports in the Finance department
• Ad hoc projects as required

Experience

• ACA/ACCA with 5+ years post qualification experience
• Experience in the FX/CFD industry (preferred but not required)
• Preparation of annual statutory accounts for medium sized firms
• Implementation of policies, processes and controls

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong IFRS and UK GAAP accounting knowledge
• Advanced Excel knowledge with intermediate VBA/Macros
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and other Office suites
• Intermediate/advanced knowledge of SQL (preferred but not essential

Personal attributes

• Sound decision making, critical thinking and problem solving
• Strong communicator and used to working across various time zones
• Highly motivated with a proven initiative to be able to work to deadlines under limited supervision
• Team orientated and sociable nature
• Can work well under pressure