Head of Finance (UK) & MLRO

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded and hands-on Head of Finance to lead the financial management, accounting, financial controls and regulatory financial reporting of the Group’s UK entities within an international investment management business.

The postholder will also serve as Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), performing the FCA Senior Management Function SMF17, subject to FCA approval. This is a mandatory component of the position, not an optional additional responsibility.

The role combines strong technical financial leadership with direct accountability for the MLRO function. The successful candidate will work closely with the Group CFO, Group CEO, relevant UK Boards, Group Compliance Officer and external advisers, providing reliable financial information and effective oversight of financial crime risks.

1. Financial Accounting and Management Reporting

• Lead the finance function for UK entities, overseeing bookkeeping, transaction recording, month-end and year-end close, reconciliations and financial controls.
• Prepare, review and ensure timely delivery of monthly management accounts, statutory financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Maintain complete, secure and auditable financial records, including invoices, contracts, bank statements and other supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable UK accounting standards, statutory requirements and Group financial policies.
• Provide clear analysis of financial performance and actionable recommendations to the Group CFO and senior management.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting and Business Support

• Coordinate annual budgets, rolling forecasts, cash flow forecasts and scenario analysis for UK entities.
• Monitor actual results against budgets, explain material variances and propose corrective actions.
• Support strategic planning, cost optimisation, resource allocation and business decisions through financial analysis.

3. FCA Regulatory and Prudential Reporting

• Own the preparation, review and timely submission of all FCA financial and prudential returns applicable to the relevant UK entities, using RegData and other prescribed channels.
• Oversee regulatory own funds, liquidity requirements, prudential monitoring and supporting calculations, as applicable.
• Coordinate the financial inputs, documentation and review of ICARA where required, with Group Compliance and external advisers.
• Maintain robust regulatory reporting controls, evidence of review and a calendar of filing obligations; monitor relevant regulatory developments.
• Coordinate with external compliance providers on FCA applications, notifications and reporting within the postholder’s remit.

4. MLRO / SMF17 - Mandatory Regulated Responsibility

The postholder must be suitable for and obtain FCA approval to perform SMF17. The MLRO responsibilities will be documented through the firm’s governance and allocation of responsibilities, with sufficient authority, resources, independence and direct access to the relevant UK Boards.

• Oversee the adequacy and effectiveness of the firm’s AML and counter-terrorist financing arrangements, including financial crime policies, risk assessments, controls and escalation procedures.
• Act as the nominated officer for receiving internal suspicious activity disclosures; assess them and determine whether Suspicious Activity Reports should be submitted to the National Crime Agency.
• Oversee relevant AML monitoring, record-keeping, internal reporting and the timely escalation of material financial crime issues.
• Prepare the annual MLRO report for the relevant UK governing body, working with the Group Compliance Officer where appropriate.
• Oversee the AML/financial crime training framework and evidence of completion, in coordination with Compliance and the training provider.
• Liaise with regulators, competent authorities and advisers on matters within the MLRO remit, subject to applicable confidentiality and legal requirements.

5. Tax, Payroll and Audit

• Oversee quarterly VAT reporting, corporation tax computations, related filings and relationships with tax advisers; review and approve submissions within delegated authority.
• Oversee the accuracy and timely processing of UK payroll, pension contributions and related payments, coordinating with HR on approved employee terms and benefits.
• Lead the annual statutory audit of UK entities, coordinate audit requests and ensure timely resolution of findings.

6. Treasury, Payments and Operational Financial Control

• Oversee UK bank accounts, cash positions, reconciliations, liquidity forecasts and banking relationships.
• Ensure that payments are properly supported, approved and released under documented delegated authorities and appropriate segregation of duties.
• Maintain oversight of supplier invoices, financial commitments, insurance costs and material finance-related contracts.
• Identify weaknesses in processes and implement proportionate improvements in controls, systems, documentation and reporting.

7. Leadership, Governance and Stakeholders

• Lead and develop the UK finance function and coordinate effectively with Group Finance and other jurisdictions.
• Present relevant financial information, regulatory reporting status and material risks to the Group CFO, senior management and relevant Boards.
• Maintain effective relationships with external accountants, auditors, lawyers, tax and compliance advisers.
• Exercise independent judgement and escalate MLRO concerns directly to the relevant UK Boards, without compromising regulatory responsibilities.

Candidate Requirements - Essential

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent recognised professional accountancy qualification.
• Significant senior finance experience within an FCA-regulated asset management, investment management or closely related regulated financial services firm.
• Demonstrable hands-on experience preparing and reviewing FCA regulatory and prudential returns, with sound knowledge of relevant FCA requirements.
• Substantial practical AML/financial crime experience, including suspicious activity escalation, governance and regulatory engagement; prior MLRO/SMF17 experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to satisfy the FCA fit and proper assessment and obtain approval for SMF17.
• Strong experience of UK statutory reporting, VAT, corporation tax, payroll oversight, treasury and audit.
• Proven budgeting, forecasting, financial control and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent English communication, professional integrity, discretion and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Previous FCA-approved SMF17 experience in an investment management business.
• Experience with international investment groups, Family Offices or multi-entity structures.
• Experience of AIFM and/or investment firm prudential reporting, where relevant to the Group’s UK permissions.
• Experience improving financial systems, automation and reporting processes.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially aware, analytical and highly organised; confident operating independently in a hands-on environment.
• Capable of balancing operational accuracy with senior-level judgement and effective prioritisation.
• Comfortable challenging decisions constructively and raising financial crime concerns when required.