Head of Finance & COO - Regulated Entity

Our client, a recognised leader in multi-asset trading, is seeking a Head of Finance (PCF 11) & COO to drive finance leadership while guiding day-to-day operations in a MTF regulated environment. This role blends Financial Controller responsibilities with COO/CFO scope, delivering scalable processes, robust controls and high-impact decision support to senior leadership. The culture prioritises accountability, adaptability, integrity and close collaboration across global teams—an environment where a Financial Controller can make a measurable difference. 

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations and back-office activity as the Financial Controller, coordinating with clients and counterparties on MTF trade execution and providing regular updates to leadership and the Board.
• Oversee CFO duties including budgeting, expense control, banking and financial signatories alongside the CEO, and review and negotiate contracts with new and existing vendors.
• Produce timely monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, and prepare accurate management information and materials for executive and Board meetings.
• Coordinate financial regulatory reporting to the Central Bank, manage the annual audit and tax filings, and own relationships with external auditors and internal audit functions.
• Set and monitor accounting policies, processes and performance metrics; build and cross-train international teams across EMEA and APAC; deliver special projects and operate flexibly outside standard hours when required.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head of Finance in capital markets, fintech or another regulated financial services setting, with exposure to COO/CFO-level responsibilities.
• Expertise in financial reporting and control, budgeting and expense management, and preparing clear management information for senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Strong track record coordinating regulatory returns and end-to-end audits, including annual statutory accounts and tax filings; familiarity with Central Bank reporting is advantageous.
• Background in operations and back-office leadership, including vendor/contract review and effective liaison with clients and market counterparties.
• People leadership across international teams (EMEA/APAC), with the ability to establish policies and processes, manage cross-functional projects, and work flexibly when business needs require.