Financial Controller | Ai | Series A

Zanda is an Executive search partner that works exclusively with high growth start-ups and scale-ups as they look to scale their business with senior talent. Zanda partners with VCs, Founders, CEOs, CFOs and CPOs when it comes to successfully delivering on key senior appointments.WHO IS THE BUSINESSWe’re supporting a London-based AI start-up operating at the cutting edge of data-driven growth. Backed by a leading investment fund, the business is growing rapidly and is targeting more than £7m in revenue this year.AI is embedded across the business, with the team having adopted the technology early to transform how they operate and scale. They are now looking to bring that same mindset to the finance function, using AI and automation to build a smarter, more efficient and scalable approach to finance.WHAT YOU'LL DOAs the No. 1 in Finance, you’ll own and lead the end-to-end finance function for this fast-growing start-up. You’ll combine hands-on financial leadership with technology and automation to build a scalable, efficient finance function from the ground up.You’ll build and manage AI-driven finance agents to automate routine processes such as billing, payment runs, payroll and VAT, acting as the human-in-the-loop where judgement and oversight are required. You’ll own monthly balance sheet reconciliations, management accounts, board packs, investor reporting and cash flow forecasting, alongside key compliance responsibilities including VAT returns, annual accounts, R&D claims and statutory filings across multiple geographies.As the business grows, you’ll also lead process improvements, system migrations and the development of finance dashboards and reporting infrastructure. This is a hands-on role with significant scope to shape how finance operates and to use AI and technology to create a modern, scalable finance function.You’ll also have the opportunity to work closely with the Funds Group CFO, providing valuable mentorship, guidance and ongoing learning and development as you grow in the role.EXPERIENCE REQUIREDQualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)Demonstrable experience designing and deploying AI-driven or automated finance processesStrong data and modelling skills; able to architect solutions with light technical supportMulti-currency accounting and group consolidations experienceComfortable managing statutory compliance across multiple entities: VAT, annual accounts, R&D claims and filingsExperience preparing management accounts, board packs, investor reporting and cash flow forecastsProven ability to operate autonomously in a fast-moving, scaling businessPrior exposure to a group or portfolio structure is advantageous