Financial Controller
Monese · London, United Kingdom · hybrid
About Pockit and MonesePockit and Monese are all-in-one money apps that make it easier for people to access and manage the financial tools they need to take control of their money.
We provide vital financial services, from accounts and cards to income advance solutions. In October 2024, Pockit acquired Monese, bringing together two complementary businesses and creating a leading fintech company focused on serving people who are underserved by traditional banks.
Together, we serve more than three million customers across the UK and Europe.
We're a diverse, international and energetic team, with colleagues based across London, Newcastle, Tallinn and remote teams across Central Europe. We value curiosity, ambition, accountability and resilience, and we want everyone to feel at home, have a voice and know that their contribution matters. We give people the trust and space to take ownership, share ideas, influence decisions, and make a real impact on our customers and our business.
About the role We're looking for an exceptional Financial Controller to lead Monese's financial accounting, control and reporting function.
Reporting directly to the CFO, you'll have end-to-end accountability for the integrity of our financial reporting, the effectiveness of our financial controls and the consistent delivery of critical finance deadlines.
This is a senior leadership role requiring strong technical expertise, exceptional execution and a relentless focus on delivery. You'll be responsible for ensuring that month-end close, statutory accounts, regulatory financial reporting and audit processes are completed accurately, efficiently and on time.
You'll lead and develop the financial control team, establish clear standards of accountability and continuously improve how the function operates.
We're looking for someone who combines the technical rigour of a seasoned financial controller with the pace, ownership and problem-solving mindset of a high-growth fintech.
You won't simply oversee the numbers. You'll take full ownership of delivering them.
What you'll be responsible forFinancial close and reporting excellence- Take full accountability for the timely, accurate and efficient delivery of monthly, quarterly and annual financial close and reporting.
- Establish and consistently deliver against a disciplined month-end close timetable, with clear ownership, deadlines and escalation procedures across the finance team.
- Drive continuous improvement in close timelines, reporting quality and financial processes, with a clear ambition to achieve a best-in-class financial close.
- Ensure the integrity, completeness and reliability of the financial statements, general ledger and balance sheet.
- Deliver high-quality financial reporting to the CFO and other key stakeholders, with clear explanations of material movements, accounting judgements and financial risks.
- Anticipate and proactively resolve issues that could impact reporting accuracy or deadlines, ensuring there are no avoidable surprises.
- Build a culture where financial reporting commitments are consistently met and delivery against deadlines is non-negotiable.
Financial governance and control- Own and continuously strengthen the Groups financial control framework, ensuring it is robust, proportionate and appropriate for a regulated fintech.
- Maintain clear accountability for balance sheet integrity, accounting policies and key financial controls.
- Identify, assess and address financial reporting risks, ensuring control weaknesses are remediated promptly and effectively.
- Provide leadership and technical oversight on complex accounting matters, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards.
- Establish a strong control culture across the finance function, balancing regulatory discipline with operational efficiency.
- Ensure financial control processes remain effective as the business, its systems and transaction volumes evolve.
Statutory, regulatory and audit delivery- Take full ownership of the timely and accurate delivery of statutory financial statements and finance-owned regulatory financial reporting.
- Lead the annual external audit from planning through to completion, ensuring an efficient, well-managed process and delivery against agreed deadlines.
- Maintain a high standard of audit readiness throughout the year, rather than relying on intensive year-end remediation.
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, statutory reporting obligations and applicable financial regulatory requirements.
- Oversee the effective management of tax compliance and external advisers.
- Act as the senior point of accountability for financial accounting, audit and reporting matters.
Finance transformation and operational excellence- Lead the development of a high-performing, efficient and scalable financial control function.
- Drive automation, systems improvements and process simplification to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy and accelerate reporting.
- Identify structural inefficiencies and implement sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes.
- Establish clear performance measures across the function, including close timelines, reporting accuracy, control effectiveness and delivery against deadlines.
- Leverage technology, data and automation to improve the reliability and efficiency of financial accounting and reporting.
- Ensure the finance function has the processes, systems and capabilities to support the changing needs of the business.
Leadership, accountability and execution- Lead, develop and hold the financial control team accountable for consistently high standards of performance and delivery.
- Establish a results-driven culture with clear responsibilities, measurable objectives and disciplined execution.
- Set realistic but ambitious deadlines and ensure the team delivers against them.
- Take ownership of challenges, remove obstacles and escalate material issues early, with clear recommendations and solutions.
- Build a strong, capable team with the technical expertise, judgement and resilience to operate effectively under pressure.
- Act as a trusted adviser to the CFO on financial accounting, reporting, control and governance matters.
- Demonstrate strong personal accountability, sound judgement and the ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.
What we're looking forEssential experience and capabilities- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience + 5 Years
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Head of Financial Control, Head of Accounting or equivalent senior finance leader.
- Demonstrated track record of owning and consistently delivering month-end close, statutory reporting and audit processes to demanding deadlines.
- Strong technical accounting expertise, including IFRS, UK GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
- Experience within fintech, payments, banking, electronic money or another regulated financial services environment.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing finance teams, setting clear expectations and driving accountability.
- Experience strengthening financial control frameworks and improving the quality and reliability of financial reporting.
- Demonstrable success improving close processes, accelerating reporting timelines and implementing finance automation.
- Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities without compromising delivery.
- Confidence and credibility when engaging with senior management, external auditors and other key stakeholders.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment with a high degree of ownership and independence.
- Demonstrated ability to leverage AI, automation and emerging technologies to streamline finance processes, accelerate financial close, enhance reporting accuracy and drive operation