Finance Lead (MAT cover)

Who are we?

Smarkets is a betting exchange for sports and political trading that has handled over £29 billion in volume since 2010. Our company mission is to fix the betting industry with the best products and best prices. We are upending the sports betting industry by growing a transparent platform that offers the best value for bettors, with the fairest odds, best technology and a superior customer experience.

Smarkets is a Series B tech company that brings a professional, product-led approach to our mission. We embrace collaboration, trust, innovation and scientific rigour, while we celebrate ambitious goals and passionate energy. Our culture rewards people on merit and excellence and we strive to provide a working environment where recognition, challenges, support, collaboration, interesting benefits and shared meals provided by our chefs mix together to let you unlock your potential, grow with us and become your best self.

Join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our betting trading technology landscape.

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Finance Lead (cover). This is a doer role where you will be deeply involved in the day-to-day financial operations, ensuring smooth running of the finance department, supporting the team, and overseeing important financial tasks. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in accounting, financial audits, regulatory reporting, and management accounting. You will be expected to hit the ground running and work independently, supporting the team and ensuring the finance function operates effectively.

About You

• Strong experience in a finance role, preferably within the betting or other regulated industries, with a deep understanding of industry-specific financial practices and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in start-up or small finance teams, with a hands-on approach to day-to-day financial operations 
• ACCA/ACA qualified, with a degree in Accounting or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Proven experience in preparing financial accounts in full compliance with IFRS.
• Clear and effective communicator, able to convey complex financial information to both finance and non-finance teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapting quickly to changing priorities and business needs.
• Experience or willingness to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, contributing to collective goals across various departments.
• Good understanding of financial regulations, particularly those relevant to regulated industries such as betting or gaming is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and actively participate in the preparation, review, and audit of the annual financial statements, ensuring all accounts are accurately reported and compliant with IFRS and other relevant accounting standards.
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations and ensure accuracy and compliance with financial standards.
• Monitor performance against budget and provide variance analysis to identify areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide financial insights to leadership and departments to inform decision-making.
• Offer guidance on technical financial matters and act as the go-to expert for finance queries.
• Ensure the finance function adheres to internal controls and complies with relevant financial regulations.
• Oversee cash flow management and ensure adequate liquidity for the business.
• Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, auditors, tax authorities, and external partners.
• Assist with financial system improvements and streamline processes where possible.

Values

• Push to win
• Make others better
• Give a shit
• Be a pro
• Bring the energy

Our values are at the heart of everything that we do. We believe these are the fundamentals to ensure we are delivering what’s expected of us in the best way possible for ourselves and for those around us.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary package and benefits, along with a dynamic and collaborative work environment. Your work with us will make an impact and your voice will be heard. We are a diverse team with a strong work ethic and plenty of hunger to win. We have designed our benefits offering around Health, Wealth, Lifestyle and Development.

These include:

• Stock options which vests over 4 years
• Pension scheme - An impressive pension scheme via Aviva. We will match 6% if you choose the same
• Health insurance
• Fresh fruit and snacks provided in the office everyday! (tea, coffee, soft drinks also included)
• We’re a member of a cycle to work scheme
• We want to continue to invest in all our employees and do so by providing a £1000 yearly education budget that can be used on courses, conferences, books or training
• 25 days paid holiday + bank holidays to enjoy - you have the choice to carry over 5 days to the next year!
• Flexible working - we want to provide a hybrid model approach to working and provide you with 2 days a week working from home
• 20 days a year of globally working - we provide the ability to work from anywhere in the world for up to 20 days a year
• We will provide you lunch everyday in the office - you don’t need to worry about feeding your belly as we have it sorted with top quality food served by our in-house Chef Alex!