Head of Finance

Meraki talent are currently working with a Private international bank who are looking to hire a Head of Finance for a newly created division. The role is based near Green Park and they have a 5 days working in the office policy.

The Head of Finance is responsible for leading the bank's financial operations, ensuring effective financial management, and contributing to the development of the bank's strategy. This role involves overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and regulatory compliance. The individual will also ensure the bank's financial health and profitability align with its long-term goals.

Key Responsibilities: Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Implementation and execution of the bank's financial strategy.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support the bank's strategic objectives.
• Partner with the executive team to drive business growth and profitability.
• Manage and optimise the bank's capital structure, funding strategies, and financial risk management

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Oversee the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
• Lead monthly and quarterly financial reviews and performance analysis.
• Identify and analyse key financial trends and variances, recommending corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor financial performance

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all financial practices align with UK banking regulations, including those set by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority).
• Oversee the preparation and submission of accurate and timely statutory accounts and financial reports to regulatory authorities.
• Ensure full compliance with financial reporting standards (IFRS, UK GAAP) and internal policies.
• Lead the relationship with external auditors.

Financial Operations & Control

• Oversee the bank's day-to-day financial operations, including accounting and accounts payable/receivable.
• Implement strong internal controls to safeguard financial assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Monitor the bank's balance sheet, managing risks associated with assets and liabilities.

Risk Management

• Work closely with the Risk department to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks, including credit, market, and operational risks.
• Ensure robust risk governance frameworks are in place to manage financial exposures.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with senior management and external stakeholders to communicate the bank's financial performance and outlook.
• Engage with business units to provide financial insights that support decision-making and profitability initiatives.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, ensuring continuous professional development and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration within the finance team.
• Set clear objectives, provide feedback, and ensure effective team performance management.

Required Qualifications & Experience: Education & Certification

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CFA qualified or equivalent.
• Advanced degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in senior finance roles within the banking or financial services sector.
• Proven experience in financial strategy, planning, and analysis within a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK financial regulations (FCA, PRA), IFRS, and other relevant financial standards.
• Experience in managing regulatory reporting, capital planning, and treasury operations.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong financial acumen with expertise in financial modelling, analysis, and risk management.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to influence senior management and key stakeholders through clear communication and sound decision-making.
• Strong understanding of capital markets, liquidity management, and financial instruments.
• High level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture and translate the bank's goals into a financial strategy.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret complex financial data and make informed decisions.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to influence both internal and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.
• Risk Awareness: Deep understanding of financial risks and effective management of those risks.

Work Environment:

• Requires working closely with cross-functional teams including risk, operations, legal, and compliance.