Financial Controller

Job Description: Finance Director/Financial Controller

Position Overview

We are looking to hire a qualified accountant with around 3-5 years post qualification with experience working within fintech or related industries to join our innovative startup in the fintech industry based in London, UK. You will have a dual reporting line into the CFO on a finance functional basis and the COO on other matters. Preference will be given to individuals with hedge fund experience with the FCA and overseeing multi-currency bank accounts in several jurisdictions.

About Altimist

Altimist is building a new suite of financial services designed to enable users to move, manage and maximise their money more easily. Altimist intends to operate on a Web 3-based financial platform. The first step is an FCA approved hedge fund that will offer investors the benefits of unique algorithmic trading engines. This platform will then be expanded to develop modular products that allow for multi-currency transactions (including crypto) and related services.

Responsibilities

Ensuring that all elements of Altimist’s financial processes are properly conducted, controlled and maintained, including but not limited to:

• Financial control and reporting: Oversee financial control processes, including management information, and compliance with regulatory and statutory reporting.
• Financial planning: Lead the short- and medium-term budgeting and forecasting processes, including tax planning and strategies to support business growth.
• Capital planning & liquidity monitoring: Develop and execute cash flow management processes, while ensuring capital and liquidity levels meet regulatory requirements.
• Day-to-day accounting operations: Manage all core accounting functions, including billing, accounts receivable/payable, general ledger, cost accounting, and revenue recognition.
• Financial reporting & analysis: Prepare monthly and annual financial reports. Collaborate with accounting firm and other stakeholders to prepare and submit annual accounts, tax returns, and any other filing requirements.
• Bank account management: Manage the firm’s external bank accounts and ensure optimal cash management.
• Payroll & tax compliance: Oversee payroll processing, including pensions, HMRC filings, and other related functions to ensure full compliance.
• Internal controls & process documentation: Establish and maintain strong internal controls by documenting key business processes and accounting policies.
• Risk management & compliance: Ensure that all relevant elements of our risk management framework are properly conducted, controlled and maintained, including but not limited to:
• Understanding and mitigating key elements of our financial risk profile.
• Implementing robust financial control systems.
• Maintaining appropriate insurance coverage.
• Ensuring compliance with audit and governmental regulations.
• Reporting risk issues to the CFO and COO.
• Stakeholder & Regulatory Relations: Serve as the primary liaison with the company’s accountant, fund administrator, and external stakeholders such as regulators, investors, and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field.
• Chartered Accountant or equivalent qualification required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience, ideally within a fintech, hedge fund, or financial services start up.
• Proven track record of managing day-to-day accounting operations.
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning, capital and liquidity management, and regulatory reporting.
• Experience with regulatory frameworks, particularly in the UK, including working with the FCA and other regulatory bodies.
• Strong proficiency in financial management software and systems, including Xero, Excel, etc.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, including external accountants, auditors, and financial advisors.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Salary and Time Commitment

The salary for this position will be competitive and dependent on the candidate's skills, experience, and level of time commitment. We are open to flexible working arrangements, including both full-time and part-time engagements, depending on the candidate's availability and alignment with our business needs.