Job Description

Interim CFO Innovative FinTech Start-Up Temp-to-Perm

The Client

Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with an innovative FinTech start-up as they look to appoint an experienced CFO on an initial contract basis, with a clear path to a permanent appointment following a successful funding round. This is a unique opportunity to join a highly ambitious, venture-backed business at a pivotal stage of its growth journey, requiring a commercially minded finance leader who can combine strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a fast-paced start-up environment.

Our client is an early-stage technology business operating within the financial services ecosystem. Having spent the past year building an experienced leadership team, developing its product offering, and attracting a strong network of industry advisors, the company is now entering a critical growth phase. With significant fundraising plans and ambitious expansion targets, they are seeking a CFO who can help build the foundations for long-term success while supporting the business through its next stage of growth.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Founder & CEO, the Interim CFO will play a critical role in shaping the company's financial and operational foundations.

The immediate priority will be leading the business through its FCA authorisation process while simultaneously supporting fundraising activities, investor engagement, and broader strategic initiatives. This role requires someone who is equally comfortable operating at board level and rolling up their sleeves to deliver key projects independently.

Initially engaged on an interim day-rate basis, the successful candidate will transition into a permanent CFO position upon completion of the upcoming funding round.

Duties

• Lead the FCA authorisation and regulatory licensing process from application through to approval.
• Act as a strategic partner to the Founder & Executive team, helping shape the long-term growth strategy of the business.
• Support and lead investor fundraising activities, including financial modelling, investment materials, due diligence processes, and investor presentations.
• Partner with external stakeholders including legal advisors, regulators, investors, and banking partners.
• Develop scalable financial processes, controls, and reporting frameworks suitable for a high-growth environment.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and capital allocation.
• Support potential M&A, partnership, and corporate development opportunities as the business scales.
• Build out the finance function and wider operational infrastructure ahead of future growth.
• Act as a commercially focused operator, contributing across multiple areas of the business where required.

Essential Experience

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualified accountant.
• Previous experience as a CFO, Finance Director, or senior finance leader.
• Proven experience leading or supporting FCA licensing, regulatory authorisation, or similar regulatory approval processes.
• Strong fundraising experience, including preparing businesses for investment and presenting to investors.
• Ability to operate effectively in a lean, entrepreneurial environment with limited infrastructure.
• Strong financial modelling, commercial analysis, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders, investors, and advisors.
• Hands-on mentality with a willingness to work across multiple functions and wear several hats.

Bonus Experience

• Experience leading a company through a Seed or Series A fundraising process.
• Exposure to regulated financial services environments.

• Prior experience helping build a business from pre-revenue or pre-seed stage through to scale.
• Exposure to M&A, corporate finance, or strategic transaction activity.

Day Rate: £800-£1000 (Outside IR35)

Contract Length: Initial 3-4 month interim contract, with a clear pathway to a permanent CFO appointment following successful completion of the funding round.

Location: London (Hybrid)

Start date: ASAP

If this is something of interest, please apply online or email

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard back from us, please assume your application has unfortunately been unsuccessful on this occasion.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.